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
Experience
Insights
Firm News
In the Media
Alerts
Events
Published Works
Blog Posts
Education on Demand
Join partner Ngosong Fonkem for a practical Corporate Risk Management session focused on how businesses can respond to ongoing tariff changes while protecting margins and maintaining supply chain continuity.
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.
- Why a Distant Shipping Crisis Could Hit Wisconsin Businesses Hard and How to Minimize Disruption
Why a Distant Shipping Crisis Could Hit Wisconsin Businesses Hard and How to Minimize DisruptionThe disruption of maritime shipping transiting through the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding seas can feel remote to business leaders in Wisconsin until it shows up in shipment delays, rising operating expenses, and increased fuel costs. This is precisely what is happening now as escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran are disrupting one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors.
The businesses that prepare now for rising costs and supply chain disruptions tied to instability will be better able to manage uncertainty, protect margins, and maintain operational continuity.
- Why a Distant Shipping Crisis Could Hit WI Businesses Hard
Why a Distant Shipping Crisis Could Hit WI Businesses HardNgosong Fonkem details how the maritime shipping disruption at the Strait of Hormuz could begin to affect Wisconsin businesses and how business leaders can prepare in an article for The Business News.
- Section 232 Tariff Cuts: What Lower Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Duties Mean for U.S. Businesses
Section 232 Tariff Cuts: What Lower Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Duties Mean for U.S. BusinessesOn June 1, 2026, President Trump issued a new proclamation further amending the Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper that it issued on April 2, 2026. These changes, which potentially lower costs for U.S. importers, will be effective June 8, 2026 and expand eligibility for preferential tariff rates.
For U.S. businesses that import goods or rely on global supply chains—especially in manufacturing, construction, and agriculture—these updates may affect duty rates, sourcing decisions, and overall costs.
- Corporate Risk Management Series: Tariffs & Trade Disruption - Navigating Cost Pressures and Supply Chain RiskCorporate Risk Management Series: Tariffs & Trade Disruption - Navigating Cost Pressures and Supply Chain Risk
Join partner Ngosong Fonkem for a practical Corporate Risk Management session focused on how businesses can respond to ongoing tariff changes while protecting margins and maintaining supply chain continuity.