Tariff Task Force

Preparing for and navigating the complexities of potential heightened tariffs from the Trump Administration requires a strategic partner with deep experience in cross-border trade, a technical understanding of the regulatory landscape, and comprehensive capabilities to advise businesses on the range of legal and policy options that can help them achieve success.

Holland & Knight's Tariff Task Force is distinctly positioned to assist companies of all sizes in understanding, adapting and responding to potential changes in import duty rates and related measures impacting U.S. trading relationships with countries around the world. We offer tailored solutions that help mitigate risks, optimize supply chains and ensure compliance with evolving regulations. With our extensive experience and industry insights, we help empower companies to thrive in a challenging trade environment.

Our Tariff Task Force includes experienced attorneys from international trade, public policy and litigation groups across the firm. We draw insights from a range of lawyers and policy advisors with deep subject matter knowledge and decades of experience who combine to provide a wide range of capabilities for our clients. Our key differentiator is that we provide tailored solutions to address the specific needs of your business – whether pursuing a strategy to reduce a potential tariff burden or supporting a more robust tariff policy – that ultimately aims to minimize disruptions to your operations and bottom line.

Holland & Knight is dedicated to providing top-notch support in all aspects of trade and tariffs. With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of international trade laws, our attorneys and professionals are equipped to guide clients through the intricacies of global trade policies.

Our International Trade Group includes a number of individuals who previously served in international trade functions within the executive branch and have good relationships with the various regulators involved in administering tariff and import issues.

Our Washington, D.C.-based Public Policy & Regulation Group is one of the most experienced and well-respected government relations practices of any law firm in the U.S. Home to more than 150 individuals, including several former members of Congress and officials from various administrations, including the first Trump Administration, our bipartisan group offers a skilled blend of lobbying, regulatory counsel and grassroots engagement. Our attorneys and advisors have successfully represented coalitions of U.S. companies on high-profile public policy and lobbying campaigns to address a number of U.S. trade and investment policies and legislation. In addition, our extensive reach and relationships with the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee enhance our ability to navigate complex legislative landscapes. Our experience in U.S. trade policy enables Holland & Knight to work with companies on both major trade lobbying initiatives and narrower, company- and sector-specific concerns relating to tariffs, customs, market access and antidumping/countervailing duty provisions of U.S. trade legislation.

Trade and Customs Guidance

Holland & Knight's International Trade Group has extensive experience regarding all aspects of importation into the United States, including the representation of clients before local port officials, at agency headquarters in Washington, D.C., and before the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) in New York. Members of our team have extensive contacts at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

Typical matters handled for our clients include tariff classification and valuation issues, administrative protests, rulings and internal advice proceedings, penalty and mitigation proceedings, country of origin and marking issues, drawback claims, and duty preferences under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and other tariff preference regimes. We also routinely provide advice on customs valuation issues and methodology, including the relationship between valuation and transfer pricing. In addition, our trade attorneys are frequently called upon to draft and review international commercial agreements, including purchase orders and sales agreements, and to ensure proper application of international commercial terms (Incoterms) and other international sales provisions.

Trade Agreements Counsel

Trade agreements are essential tools in international commerce, designed to facilitate the exchange of goods and services across borders by reducing or eliminating trade barriers such as tariffs, quotas and customs duties. These agreements are the result of complex negotiations between nations, each seeking to protect their economic interests while fostering international cooperation.

The USMCA is a key example of a regional trade agreement. It replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and aims to create a more balanced and reciprocal trade environment between the three countries. However, there are potential challenges to tariffs imposed on Canada or Mexico based on the USMCA, which could lead to disputes and require resolution through the established frameworks within the agreement.

Given the current political climate, the Trump Administration may negotiate new bilateral agreements with specific countries. These agreements could focus on reducing tariffs and other trade barriers, enhancing intellectual property protections and creating more opportunities for U.S. businesses to compete in foreign markets.

Our attorneys have a thorough understanding of these trade agreements that is crucial for businesses as they navigate the complexities of international trade, identify new opportunities and mitigate potential challenges.

Section 301 Litigation

Holland & Knight has extensive experience in handling Section 301 litigation, which involves challenging unfair trade practices and addressing the impact of tariffs imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Our team has successfully represented clients in various industries, helping them navigate the complexities of these trade disputes.

We have a dedicated team of attorneys who are well versed in Section 301 litigation, including seasoned litigators and those with a particular focus on trade law. Our experience includes:

• Applying for Product Exclusions. We have successfully assisted clients in applying for and obtaining product exclusions from Section 301 tariffs, helping them mitigate the financial impact of these tariffs on their businesses. These successes have resulted in savings of millions of dollars to importers.
• Supply Chain Optimization. Our dedicated Supply Chain Team works closely with clients to optimize their supply chains and minimize the disruption caused by Section 301 tariffs.
• Litigation and Advocacy. We have a proven track record of representing clients in Section 301 litigation and related advocacy, supporting their interests before the CIT, USTR and other relevant authorities.
• Comprehensive, Client-Centric Approach. By combining the skills and depth of our regulatory, advocacy, trade and litigation groups, we provide comprehensive and effective solutions tailored to our clients' needs.

Our firm's substantial Section 301 litigation capabilities are backed by our deep understanding of international trade laws and the ability to navigate the complexities of global trade policies. We are committed to helping our clients achieve favorable outcomes in their trade disputes, with the ultimate goal of ensuring their continued success in the global marketplace.

Section 232 and 201 Advice

Our lawyers have been extensively involved in all facets of Section 232 and 201 matters.

• Regarding Section 232 tariffs, we have worked with many importers in obtaining exclusions as well as represented domestic manufacturers in opposing exclusions.
• On Section 201 matters, the team has worked extensively with foreign manufacturers and importers, including preparing witnesses for hearings at the International Trade Commission (ITC), the application of exclusions to the import tariffs and related compliance advisory work.

This vast experience in various trade tools gives our attorneys the ability to adapt at a moment's notice in an ever-changing world of tariff policy.