- The United States will (i) modify the application of the additional ad valorem rate of duty on
Francesca M.S. Guerrero
Francesca counsels clients on compliance with export controls, sanctions, import regulations, human rights and forced labor, and the FCPA and antibribery laws. She works closely with companies to develop tailored compliance programs that fit their specific needs, and routinely advises clients on some of their most challenging international transactions, involving dealings in high-risk jurisdictions or with high-risk counterparties. Francesca also counsels companies through all phases of internal investigations of potential trade and antibribery violations and represents companies across industries before related government agencies.
Department of Commerce Initiates Section 232 Investigation of Imports of Commercial Aircraft and Jet Engines
On May 1, 2025, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced that, pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, it was initiating an investigation to determine the effects on the national security of imports of commercial aircraft, jet engines, and parts for commercial aircraft and jet engines. Interested parties may submit written…
President Trump Announces General Terms to a Forthcoming Trade Deal with the United Kingdom, Keeping 10% Baseline Tariffs But Dropping Tariffs on British Autos, Steel, and Aluminum
On May 8, 2025, the White House published general terms for a future trade deal “to enhance [the] economic partnership” between the United States and the United Kingdom. The general terms, which names the forthcoming agreement as the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal, “do[] not constitute a legally binding agreement” but rather memorialize a set of…
Treasury Announces Intent to Launch a CFIUS Fast Track Pilot Program to Streamline Review
On May 8, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced its intent to launch a Fast Track Pilot Program to encourage greater investment in U.S. businesses from allied and partner countries. This initiative will introduce a Known Investor portal, allowing the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to collect information from…
DOJ Files False Claims Act Complaint Against Barco Uniforms and Affiliates for Alleged Underpayment of Customs Duties
On April 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the filing of a civil complaint against Barco Uniforms Inc., its executives Kenny and David Chan, and several affiliated companies. The complaint alleges violations of the False Claims Act (FCA) through a scheme to underpay customs duties on imported apparel. The case, originally filed…
White House Amends Automobile Parts Tariffs to Ease Burden on U.S. Automakers
On April 29, 2025, President Trump signed a Proclamation amending the previously announced tariffs on automobile parts used in passenger vehicles and light trucks. This amendment follows Proclamation 10908, which announced 25% section 232 tariffs on imports of certain final, assembled passenger vehicles and light trucks (“automobiles”), effective April 3, 2025, and imports of…
President Trump Issues Clarification on Application of Various IEEPA Tariffs
On April 29, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) clarifying that each of the tariffs he has imposed pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, serve separate and distinct policy purposes, but should “not all have a cumulative effect (or ‘stack’…
Department of Commerce Initiates Section 232 Investigation of Imports of Medium- and Heavy-Duty Trucks and Related Parts
On April 22, 2025, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced that, pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, it was initiating an investigation to determine the effects on the national security of imports of medium-duty trucks, heavy-duty trucks, medium- and heavy-duty truck parts, and their derivative products.
The Federal Register notice…
President Trump Directs Commerce to Initiate Section 232 Investigation of Critical Mineral Imports
On April 15, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) directing the Department of Commerce (Commerce) to initiate an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to determine the effects on national security of imports of processed critical minerals and their derivative products. Because “processed critical minerals and their…
Commerce Initiates Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment
On April 1, 2025, it was announced that the Department of Commerce had initiated an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to determine the effects on the national security of imports of semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment (SME), and their derivative products. This includes, among other things, semiconductor substrates and…
