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International Trade
Legal Strategy for a Globalized and Regulated Marketplace
The world of International Trade is more interconnected, competitive, and politically charged than ever before. Modern supply chains stretch across continents, and cross-border investment, export control, and trade sanctions have become central issues for multinational enterprises. In this environment, companies must not only understand trade policy but anticipate and manage its rapid evolution.
At SJKP LLP, our International Trade practice provides comprehensive legal guidance to clients navigating global commerce. We advise corporations, governments, and financial institutions on trade compliance, sanctions, customs enforcement, and cross-border disputes. With decades of experience and strong relationships with regulators, we help clients mitigate risk, secure market access, and maintain compliance with international and domestic trade laws.
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1. Global Trade Regulation and Market Access
Advising Clients on Evolving Trade Frameworks Worldwide
The global economy is governed by a web of treaties, bilateral agreements, and domestic laws that define how goods and services cross borders. These frameworks can shift quickly in response to geopolitical tensions, environmental policies, and supply chain disruptions.
Understanding International Trade Agreements
Our International Trade lawyers guide clients through the intricacies of trade agreements, including those under the World Trade Organization (WTO), USMCA, and regional free trade agreements across Asia, Europe, and Africa. We help clients interpret tariff schedules, rules of origin, and dispute mechanisms embedded in these frameworks.
Our work includes:
- - Analyzing how new or amended trade agreements affect supply chain strategies
- Advising on country-of-origin labeling and product classification
- Structuring cross-border operations to leverage preferential tariffs
- Representing clients before government agencies during trade negotiations and investigations
Navigating Tariffs, Quotas, and Trade Remedies
Trade barriers and remedies are central tools of economic policy. We advise clients on how antidumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures impact their business. Our attorneys represent domestic industries seeking protection, as well as importers and exporters facing investigations by the U.S. Department of Commerce and International Trade Commission (ITC). We help develop pricing, sourcing, and compliance strategies to mitigate risk and maintain competitiveness.
2. Export Controls and Economic Sanctions
Protecting Business Operations in a Complex Regulatory Environment
Export control and sanctions laws can determine whether a global business transaction is lawful or exposes a company to severe penalties. Governments around the world, particularly the United States, have expanded enforcement in areas involving national security, technology, and foreign policy.
U.S. Export Control Framework
Our International Trade practice has extensive experience advising clients on compliance with export regulations administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the Department of State under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
We assist clients in:
- - Classifying goods, software, and technology for export
- Developing internal compliance and licensing programs
- Handling voluntary disclosures and responding to enforcement inquiries
- Managing technology transfers and cloud-based data exports
Economic Sanctions and Global Enforcement
Sanctions compliance has become one of the most complex challenges in International Trade. We advise clients on sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union, and other jurisdictions. Our team monitors developments affecting Russia, Iran, North Korea, China, and other high-risk regions. We help clients navigate screening protocols, contract clauses, and risk assessments to avoid violations and reputational harm.
3. Dispute Resolution and Trade Litigation
Representing Clients Before International and Domestic Tribunals
Disputes in International Trade often arise from conflicting national interests, inconsistent regulations, and competing commercial objectives. Our attorneys represent clients in trade litigation, arbitration, and mediation before domestic courts and international bodies.
WTO and Trade Tribunal Advocacy
We represent governments, exporters, and industry coalitions in disputes before the World Trade Organization (WTO) and similar tribunals. Our team handles cases involving unfair trade practices, subsidy challenges, and market access restrictions. We help clients present compelling legal and economic arguments supported by data analysis and policy insight.
Domestic Litigation and Appeals
Our lawyers also litigate trade-related disputes before the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT), the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and federal district courts. These cases often involve customs classifications, import restrictions, and enforcement actions. We work to secure reversals, refunds, or injunctions that restore fair access to international markets.
4. Foreign Investment and Supply Chain Risk Management
Safeguarding Cross-Border Transactions and Long-Term Operations
Global trade depends on complex supply chains that are increasingly vulnerable to disruption. Whether caused by geopolitical events, regulatory changes, or environmental policies, these disruptions can pose legal and financial risks.
Foreign Investment Review and Compliance
Our International Trade lawyers guide clients through Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) reviews and other foreign investment screening regimes worldwide. We assist in identifying potential national security concerns, preparing filings, and negotiating mitigation agreements that allow transactions to close while preserving compliance.
Managing Supply Chain and ESG Obligations
Modern trade law also demands that companies consider sustainability and human rights. We advise clients on compliance with forced labor prohibitions, environmental disclosure requirements, and due diligence obligations under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, and other global frameworks. Our team designs risk management systems that ensure supply chain transparency and resilience.
5. Policy, Advocacy, and Strategic Counseling
Influencing Global Trade Policy and Shaping Business Strategy
Law and policy intersect constantly in International Trade. Success depends not only on compliance but on strategic engagement with policymakers and regulators.
Government Affairs and Trade Policy Engagement
Our lawyers collaborate with policymakers, embassies, and trade associations to help clients shape emerging regulations and advocate for favorable trade policies. We assist in drafting position papers, legislative comments, and policy analyses that influence decision-making at both domestic and international levels.
Strategic Planning and Risk Forecasting
Global trade strategies require anticipating change. We provide forward-looking advice on political and economic developments that could affect market access, investment, or sanctions risk. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates insights from finance, national security, and energy to ensure that clients are positioned for both stability and growth.
6. Why Choose SJKP LLP for International Trade
Comprehensive Counsel. Global Reach. Proven Results.
At SJKP LLP, our International Trade practice combines legal precision with real-world understanding of international markets. Our lawyers include former government officials, economists, and compliance professionals who bring a unique perspective to cross-border issues.
We represent clients across industries such as manufacturing, energy, defense, technology, and finance, helping them comply with regulations, manage disputes, and influence policy. Whether negotiating complex trade agreements, securing licenses, or defending against enforcement, our firm provides clarity in the face of global uncertainty.
Our mission is to ensure that every client can participate confidently and competitively in the international marketplace.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or relying on the contents of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with our firm. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
Certain informational content on this website may utilize technology-assisted drafting tools and is subject to attorney review.
