On July 1, 2025, the Department of Commerce initiated an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, as amended, to determine the effects on the national security of imports of polysilicon and its derivatives (items considered to be critical solar energy inputs). The Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) subsequently issued a
President Trump Orders Unwinding of 2020 Acquisition of U.S. Audio Visual Technology Company by Chinese Company
On July 11, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order directing that the February 2020 acquisition of Jupiter Systems, LLC of Delaware, and several of its foreign based subsidiaries (Jupiter), by Suirui International Co., Ltd. (Suirui), a Hong Kong/Chinese company, be unwound. Stating only that there is “credible evidence” Suirui might take action that threatens…
FinCEN Issues Landmark Orders Sanctioning Foreign Banks for Alleged Opioid-Related Money Laundering
For the first time, the Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) invoked the Fentanyl Sanctions Act and the Fend OFF Fentanyl Act on June 25, 2025, to issue three separate orders that each designate a Mexico-based financial institution as a “primary money laundering concern in connection with illicit opioid trafficking.” The three…
9th Circuit Upholds a $26 Million Civil Penalty Against a Pipe Importer for Violating the False Claims Act
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a $26 million fraud verdict against a pipe importer for violating the False Claims Act (FCA) by making false statements on customs forms to avoid paying antidumping duties on Chinese-made pipe fittings. The court rejected the importer’s argument that the Tariff Act provides the exclusive remedy for…
USTR Proposes Modifications to Section 301 Actions on Chinese Vessels and Maritime Transport Operators
On June 12, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) proposed two modifications to its April 17 announcement of actions under Section 301, which are scheduled to take effect starting on October 14, 2025. The actions aim to counter China’s dominance in the maritime sector.
The first proposed modification would revise the method for…
CAFC Maintains President Trump’s IEEPA Tariffs Pending Final Decision
On June 10, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) issued a stay keeping both tranches of President Donald Trump’s tariffs implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) (50 U.S.C. § 1701 et seq.) in effect until final adjudication by the appellate court. The per curiam (…
CIT Enjoins IEEPA Tariffs but CAFC Issues Temporary Stay – Analysis & Recommendations
- On May 28, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) permanently enjoined tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), finding that he exceeded statutory and constitutional authority by imposing broad tariffs on imports from China, Canada, Mexico, and other countries.
- The CIT held that IEEPA does
Second Federal Court Determines IEEPA Tariffs Likely Invalid
On May 29, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (USDC-DC) issued a preliminary injunction ruling staying the imposition of President Donald Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This preliminary injunction applies to tariffs that would be paid by the two named plaintiffs – Learning Resources, Inc. and…
After CIT Blocks President Trump’s IEEPA Tariffs, CAFC Stays Order Pending Review of the CIT’s Judgment and Injunction
On May 29, 2025, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) stayed the decision of the Court of International Trade (CIT) from the previous day, which had vacated both tranches of President Donald Trump’s tariffs implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) (50 U.S.C. § 1701 et seq.). President…
Top Five Takeaways from DOJ’s Newest Guidance for Investigation & Prosecution of White Collar Crimes
On May 12, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued updated policy memoranda relating to the investigation and prosecution of white collar crimes, including its White-Collar Enforcement Plan, Revised Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy, Memorandum on Selection of Monitors in Criminal Division Matters, and the Criminal Division’s Corporate Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program Revisited. These…