Overview
At Amundsen Davis, our brick and mortar presence is based in the heart of the Midwest, but many of our clients do business around the world. Our international trade practice is dedicated to helping companies large and small navigate the complexities of international commerce, offering tailored legal solutions that empower businesses to thrive in an ever-changing global environment.
Persistent supply chain disruptions; geopolitical tensions; and heightened focus on issues like forced labor and environmental, social, and governance standards highlight the interconnected nature of the global economy and its effects on businesses of all sizes. Additionally, authorities are introducing an increasing number of international trade policies with significant implications at an unprecedented pace.
To address these challenges and capitalize on opportunities, we advise clients in the following areas:
Sanctions
- Representation before the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the filing of de-listing petitions
- Help international clients navigate primary and secondary sanctions exposure risks
Customs
- Valuation, classification and origin, and setting up of free trade zones
- Free trade agreements, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and tariff preference programs
- Duty recovery and mitigation strategies, including drawbacks, first sales, and protest filings
- Audits, internal investigations, prior disclosures, security and compliance programs, seizures, and penalty actions
- PFAS compliance and related engagements with Partner Government Agencies (PGA)
Trade Remedies
- Anti-dumping, countervailing duties, and subsidies
- Issues arising under legislation and international agreements, including the Trade Act and Trade Expansion Act of 1962
National Security
- Export controls, sanctions, and embargoes
- Anti-boycott actions
- Anti-money laundering laws and regulations
- Export Administration Regulations
- International Traffic in Arms Regulations
- Buy American Act; Buy America; and Build America, Buy America Act provisions
- Related engagements with PGAs
- Audits, voluntary disclosures, and reporting
Human Rights and Sustainability
- Adherence to regulations on labor practices and ethical sourcing
- Modification and revocation of Withhold Release Orders
- Release of detentions
- Forced labor and supply chain audits
- Forced labor compliance programs
- Counseling in relation to suppliers and other third parties
- Compliance with EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
Maritime Shipping and Logistics
- Setting up of maritime shipping operations and related engagements with Protection and Indemnity clubs, classification societies, ship management companies, ship agents, and flag states
- Vessel registration and finance
- Compliance with Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) regulations applicable to Ocean Transportation Intermediary – Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier and Freight Forwarder licenses and FMC tariff publications
- Compliance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (and its United States equivalent under federal Hazardous Materials Regulations)
Customized Training
- Targeted training on a wide range of international trade and related topics applicable to your unique business scenarios
Professionals
Insights
Firm News
In the Media
Alerts
Events
Published Works
Education on Demand
Join Amundsen Davis's International Trade Service Group Partner Ngosong Fonkem for a webcast to explore the potential economic landscape that may be shaped by the new administration and what manufacturers can do immediately to stay ahead of potential disruptions to their businesses.
- Requesting Trump Tariff Refunds Through Protest Filings
Requesting Trump Tariff Refunds Through Protest FilingsAs we previously reported, on August 29, 2025, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the president to impose the recent flurry of IEEPA-related tariffs. Following that ruling, the Trump Administration sought review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
On November 5, 2025, the Supreme Court shall hear the administration’s appeal. As many court observers expect the Supreme Court to issue a decision shortly after the oral argument, the outcome of that decision could carry significant economic implications for ALL U.S. businesses that have imported products from ALL countries since these covered tariffs went into effect. This includes the potential for tariff refunds.
- Duty-Free Entry for Products Used in Agriculture and Horticulture
Duty-Free Entry for Products Used in Agriculture and HorticultureThrough the special provisions of the Harmonized Tariff Code of United States (HTSUS), 9817.00.50 and 9817.00.60, U.S. law provides a duty-free mechanism that allows eligible machinery, tools, and equipment that are genuinely used for farming or horticulture to enter the U.S. without paying any customs duties.
- Africa Energy Week 2025Africa Energy Week 2025
Join Ngosong Fonkem for Africa Energy Week 2025, hosted by the African Energy Chambers (AEC).
- Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down Trump Tariffs: Implications for U.S. Businesses
Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down Trump Tariffs: Implications for U.S. BusinessesLast Friday, on August 29, 2025, the CAFC ruled that the IEEPA does not authorize the president to impose the covered IEEPA Tariffs. The CAFC further sent the matter back to the CIT to reconsider whether relief should be limited only to those parties that participated and whether the IEEPA tariffs should not be paid pending further appeal. The administration has confirmed that they will seek review by the U.S. Supreme Court.