Discretely assist companies and boards of directors conducting internal audits and investigations.
International Trade & National Security Law Firm
At Torres Trade Law, we work with U.S. and international clients - from multinationals and Fortune 500 companies to medium-sized businesses and startups - to successfully import and export goods, technology, and services. We regularly assist clients navigate regulatory challenges posed by U.S. and foreign trade policies, including China tariffs, Iran sanctions, and the export of defense-related goods and controlled or emerging technologies.
In addition, our lawyers have extensive experience assisting clients with a wide range of foreign investment matters, including the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) administering the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 (FIRRMA).
Our lawyers regularly guide clients through myriad U.S. regulatory regimes and agencies that govern trade with the United States, including:
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- The U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
- The U.S. Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)
- U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)
- The Department of Defense Security Service (DSS)
- The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States
To assist clients with challenges across the world, Torres Trade Law is a member of two widely recognized international associations: the International Lawyers Network, a global law firm network of more than 90 law firms in 67 countries; and Alliott Group, the world's 6th largest multidisciplinary alliance of accounting and law firms. These associations allow the firm to combine local expertise with a global reach to provide clients effective cross-border solutions.
To assist with risk advisory, complex investigations, and risk intelligence, our law firm's network also includes former intelligence officers and former senior leadership in national U.S. government security positions.
PRACTICE AREAS
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Our Approach
Torres Trade Law is driven by the principle that our clients are best served by long-term relationships built on transparency, accountability, and cost-effectiveness. Our goal: to provide practical, real-world international trade advice based on an in-depth understanding of each client's strategic and business objectives coupled with comprehensive knowledge of the regulatory and competitive environments in which it does business.
We have extensive experience assisting companies in a variety of industries, including aerospace, defense contractors, commercial aviation, military electronics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, food and beverage, data processing, machine tools, commercial electronics, satellite, unmanned vehicles, software and hi-tech, fashion and retail, private equity, and many others.
INSIGHTS
Export Controls Are Entering a New Era
By: Olga Torres, Managing Member
Date: 07/28/2026
For executives and exporters, the era of treating export controls as a compliance checkbox may be coming to an end. Testifying before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on July 14 regarding the 2027 budget for the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Commerce Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler outlined BIS’s priorities, key trade initiatives, and future projects shaping U.S. trade policy. According to Kessler, BIS remains focused on protecting the “crown jewels” of the American economy: critical technologies and supply chains.1
1 Statement of Jeffrey I. Kessler, Under Sec'y of Com. for Indus. & Sec., Before the H. Comm. on Foreign Affs., FY27 BIS Budget: the AI Arms Race and the ICTS Office (July 14, 2026), at 1, available at https://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA00/20260714/119444/HHRG-119-FA00-Wstate-KesslerJ-20260714.pdf.
Global Tariffs, Repackaged: USTR Announces New Section 301 Tariffs on a Broad Range of Countries
By: Camille Edwards, Associate
Date: 07/28/2026
On July 23, 2026, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) announced the implementation of new tariffs on imports from 60 foreign countries under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The tariffs generally range from 10% to 12.5% and apply to nearly all products from the covered countries, subject to extensive product-specific and country-specific exemptions. The new duties are effective July 24, 2026, and arise from USTR investigations announced earlier this year concerning foreign governments’ failure to prohibit imports made with forced labor.
Trump Invokes Section 338 to Impose New Tariffs on Canadian Imports
By: Olga Torres, Managing Member
Date: 07/28/2026
On July 20, 2026, President Trump announced additional tariffs on certain Canadian imports under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, citing concerns that Canadian trade measures disadvantage U.S. exporters. The tariffs are scheduled to take effect 30 days after issuance, on August 19, and will apply even where goods otherwise qualify for preferential treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).1
1 Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Imposes Additional Tariffs on Canada, The White House (July 20, 2026), https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/07/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-imposes-additional-tariffs-on-canada/
Trump’s Proposed Tariffs on Generic Pharmaceuticals
By: Camille Edwards, Associate1
Date: 07/28/2026
In 2002, American manufacturers made about 83% of the pharmaceuticals used in the country. By 2024, this dropped to just 37%, showing a clear shift toward greater dependence on foreign suppliers.1
1 U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, Protecting Seniors’ Access to Essential Medications: Securing the Foreign Generic Pharmaceutical Supply Chain 4 (2024) https://www.aging.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/senate_aging_american_drugs_report.pdf.
DoD’s Discretionary Power to Pull “Commercial” Companies into FOCI Review
By: Olga Torres, Managing Member
Date: 07/16/2026
On May 7, 2026, the Department of Defense (“DoD”; also referred to as the Department of War, or “DoW”) released a proposed rule to amend the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (“DFARS”) to implement Section 847 of the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (“NDAA”) and Section 819 of the FY 2021 NDAA.
Torres Trade Trump Table
Date: 07/15/2026
For the latest Trump trade executive actions, please view the below Torres Trade Trump Table for important information. This table will be monitored and updated regularly. The last update occurred July 15, 2026.