International Trade

The global trade industry is projected to reach more than $30 trillion by the year 2030. In a high stakes market sector impacted by the complexities of tariffs, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution involving worldwide transactions, Adams & Reese attorneys work with clients to comply with the regulations that govern international trade and on litigious matters that affect operations.

With offices in Washington, DC, and throughout the Southeast – essential hubs for international commerce – Adams & Reese monitors regulatory developments and economic trends to support clients in managing cross-border transactions and supply chain operations. Drawing on our rich expertise in maritime, aviation, trucking, and rail, our international trade lawyers are fluent and current on issues ranging from global trade to logistics to multimodal transportation. We provide valuable insights for navigating the demands of international commerce.

Our Global Trade & Transportation Team publishes International Compliance Digest, a blog that provides updates on issues related to international compliance and enforcement.

INDUSTRY CLIENTS

Adams & Reese represents a wide range of regional, national, and international businesses involved in the global trade industry.

• Infrastructure and Port Operators: Ports, port districts, airports, and warehouse operators
  
  
• Logistics and Supply Chain Partners: Freight forwarders, brokers, third- and fourth-party logistics providers, and customs brokers
  
  
• Producers and Manufacturers: Oil and gas companies, pipeline manufacturers, and component part manufacturers
  
  
• Service Providers and Stakeholders: Insurers, capital providers, and consulting firms
  
  
• Transportation Providers: Motor carriers, railroads, freight and passenger air carriers, and shipping companies

We partner with industry clients where they are doing business – our team members hold leadership positions within organizations critical to global trade.

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

On the regulatory front, Adams & Reese’s customs and international trade attorneys manage our clients’ interactions with local, state, and federal agencies, such as the Department of Transportation (DOT), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), among others. We handle customs and import control regulations, tariff classification analysis, antidumping and countervailing matters before the Commerce Department, governmental investigations, as well as dealings with international regulatory bodies. 

We also direct compliance with industry-specific laws, including the Carmack Amendment, Motor Carrier Act, U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and the Federal Employers Liability Act. Beyond compliance, we provide custom advice on issues specific to global trade, including:

• Contract Development and Analysis: Structuring transportation, logistics, and supply chain agreements to safeguard client interests and ensure operational clarity
  
  
• Crisis Response: Managing issues such as supply chain disruptions, damaged cargo, and regulatory violations
  
  
• Litigation and Risk Mitigation: Representing clients in disputes involving cargo loss, property damage, environmental claims, and contractual matters
  
  
• Port Development and Operations: Supporting port districts with infrastructure planning, economic development initiatives, and government relations
  
  
• Tariff Management and Trade Disputes: Providing guidance on tariff classifications, international trade disputes, and evolving trade policies