United States: Export Controls & Trade & Investment Sanctions

The U.S.-Canada trading relationship has reached a critical juncture as both nations implement escalating trade measures, with Canada's counter-tariffs taking effect and the United States responding with unprecedented import bans on Canadian alcoholic beverages, dairy products, and motorcycles. These actions mark a significant expansion of the Trump Administration's use of Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, moving beyond additional tariffs to outright import restrictions. What does this escalation mean

The Department of Energy has issued a request for information on implementing President Trump's Bulk-Power System Executive Order, which would prohibit imports and installation of certain foreign-produced electric equipment deemed a national security risk. The RFI seeks public input on critical implementation questions including equipment scope, foreign entity definitions, supply chain risk assessment, and how to address already-installed equipment. Comments are due October 9, 2026, providing stakeholders a

This monthly update tracks the latest developments in Russia/Ukraine sanctions across US, EU, and UK jurisdictions, covering new designations, general license extensions, legislative proposals, and enforcement actions. The update also examines Russia's countermeasures, including shadow fleet expansion and legal restrictions on foreign investors, while highlighting international coordination efforts by Switzerland, Canada, and New Zealand.

President Trump's National Security Presidential Memorandum 17 establishes an ambitious federal policy framework directing agencies to expand U.S. space transportation capacity to support over 1,000 launches and reentries annually by 2030. The policy assigns implementation responsibilities across multiple federal agencies with tight deadlines, addresses spectrum and airspace constraints...

As forced labor import restrictions proliferate globally, companies face a new compliance challenge: the corruption risks embedded in navigating these expanding regulatory regimes. This analysis examines how the rapid adoption of forced labor trade enforcement mechanisms worldwide may create opportunities for customs-related bribery and explores practical steps for integrating human rights and anti-corruption compliance strategies.

The Trump administration's Operation Economic Outcast represents an unprecedented escalation in Iran sanctions enforcement, threatening secondary sanctions against entire countries while expanding sectoral restrictions and targeting financial institutions globally. Two weeks into implementation, the campaign reveals a complex geopolitical landscape where major powers like China and Russia openly defy US demands, while European allies navigate conflicting legal obligations between supporting American

The Federal Communications Commission is proposing sweeping changes to equipment authorization rules and import restrictions targeting foreign-produced wireless technology. From military-grade drone bans to power inverter prohibitions, these regulatory developments could fundamentally reshape how telecommunications equipment enters and operates within U.S. markets.

The U.S. Department of State has rescinded Syria's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism and removed Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham from its terrorist organization lists, marking a significant shift in America's approach to Syrian sanctions. These actions follow Executive Order 14312 and the repeal of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act...

The U.S. Treasury Department has launched Operation Economic Outcast, an unprecedented economic campaign targeting Iran and its enablers, marking a dramatic reversal from the brief period of sanctions relief just two months prior. This whole-of-government initiative expands secondary sanctions to five new sectors and suspends longstanding authorizations that permitted limited U.S.-Iran interactions. How will these sweeping measures impact businesses operating in affected sectors and what compliance steps sh