International Trade & Logistics

Overview

International trade drives growth, competition, and innovation. However, the business of international trade can be complex, ever-changing, and unpredictable. CEOs consistently rank the international landscape as a primary concern, ahead of inflation, labor, cyber risk, and more.

Importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, customs brokers, and logistics providers rely on Adams & Reese to facilitate the seamless movement of goods and services while ensuring compliance with the complex and ever-changing regulatory climate. We deliver clear guidance and strategic execution that enables clients to operate with confidence. Our attorneys understand the processes and protocols surrounding international trade and regulations. We build direct relationships with legislators, regulators, and enforcement agencies to help clients resolve issues efficiently and gain long-term advantage.

We represent clients before all relevant authorities, including the Court of International Trade, Department of Commerce, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, U.S. Trade Representative, Department of State, Department of Treasury, Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, and U.S. Coast Guard, among others.

Beyond traditional supply chain concerns, we help clients address broader compliance risks, such as export controls, sanctions, tariffs, anti-bribery and corruption, and forced labor.

Navigating Trade Partnerships

Our team has a number of examples illustrating Adams & Reese’s international trade strength. We routinely assist clients in their transactions with the world’s most active trading partner, China. From tariff concerns to supply chain disruptions, our attorneys provide strategic counsel on compliance and enforcement matters. When Customs detained a client’s critical chemical ingredient under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, we conducted a supply chain audit, confirmed compliance, and secured its release, preserving business continuity.

Strategic Business Partners

Adams & Reese helps clients reduce costs and avoid supply chain delays by proactively addressing trade classification and customs compliance issues. For a large-scale disinfectant importer, we secured a favorable Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification that saved more than $10 million in duties and Section 301 tariffs. For another client, after it lost its U.S. product sourcing in the United States, we assisted with a classification analysis and represented the client with U.S Customs, which limited the client from a potential multi-million dollar exposure on imported cargo. Our actions in both instances eliminated exposure to back pay and penalties.

In another matter, we intervened with U.S. Customs and secured the release of 15 containers of manufacturing equipment held for wood packaging material concerns – preserving a multimillion-dollar economic development initiative.

Our International Trade & Logistics attorneys help clients maintain compliance, reduce exposure, and keep goods moving across borders. Whether advising on customs classifications, tariff mitigation, or enforcement response, we deliver actionable solutions that protect operations and drive measurable value. Every month, we publish the International Compliance Digest newsletter to deliver timely insights on enforcement activity and global regulatory trends.

Defining Strengths

• Anti-bribery and corruption compliance
• Antidumping and countervailing duties
• Customs audits and enforcement actions
• Export controls and sanctions compliance
• Forced labor prevention compliance
• Free trade agreements and tariff preference programs
• Foreign Trade Zone compliance and regulations
• Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification
• Import and export licensing
• Maritime and shipping regulations
• Supply chain security
• Tariffs
• Trade litigation and dispute resolution
• U.S. Customs and Border Patrol
• Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA)