OFAC Sanctions Rwanda's Military and Four Officials
On March 2, 2026, OFAC sanctioned Rwanda's Defence Force (RDF) and four senior officials for supporting the M23 armed group in the DRC. This action blocks their assets in the U.S. and prohibits transactions with U.S. persons. A general license allows for winding down existing dealings until April 1, 2026.
USITC Institutes Patent Infringement Investigation 337-TA-1488
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted an investigation into alleged patent infringement of certain gyro-stabilized electric unicycles and components. The investigation, based on a complaint by Inventist, Inc. and Alien Technology Group, Inc., names several Chinese manufacturers as respondents.
USTR Announces 2026 Trade Policy Agenda and 2025 Annual Report
The U.S. Trade Representative has announced the 2026 Trade Policy Agenda and the 2025 Annual Report. These documents outline the administration's 'America First' trade strategy, focusing on protecting U.S. jobs and expanding market access for American exporters.
Op-Ed: US Agriculture Trade Policy Under Trump Administration
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published an op-ed detailing the Trump Administration's trade policy approach to support American farmers and food producers. The article outlines a two-fold strategy focused on negotiating trade deals and addressing foreign tariff regimes to ensure a level playing field for U.S. agriculture exports.
SEC Adopts Final Rules for Holding Foreign Insiders Accountable Act
The SEC has adopted final rules implementing the Holding Foreign Insiders Accountable Act. These rules require directors and officers of foreign private issuers to electronically disclose their equity holdings and transactions in their company's securities starting March 18, 2026.
Supreme Court Invalidates IEEPA Tariffs; President Rescinds
The Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the President to impose tariffs. Following this decision, President Trump issued an Executive Order rescinding existing IEEPA tariffs and directing agencies to terminate their collection. Businesses are advised to review contracts and plan for potential future tariffs.
China's 2025 Arbitration Law Effective
China's amended Arbitration Law, effective March 1, 2026, introduces significant reforms to its arbitration framework. Key changes include codifying the arbitration seat, expanding foreign-related arbitration access, strengthening court support for interim relief, and allowing limited ad hoc arbitration. International companies doing business with China should review their dispute resolution clauses.
In-Transit Freight Financing for Working Capital
This article discusses in-transit freight financing, a method for businesses to convert goods in transit into financeable assets to unlock working capital. It highlights how this strategy can help companies manage cash flow disruptions caused by unpredictable global supply chains and recommends partnering with experienced lenders.
Trump Ends IEEPA Tariffs, Imposes New Trade Act Tariffs
President Trump ended tariffs imposed under IEEPA and initiated new tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, set at 15% and lasting 150 days. The USTR also announced new Section 301 investigations targeting major trading partners. These changes took effect February 20, 2026.
FinCEN and OFAC Intensify Efforts Targeting Mexican Cartel Money Laundering
FinCEN and OFAC are intensifying efforts against Mexican cartel money laundering, targeting over 100 US Money Services Businesses (MSBs) along the southwest border. Recent actions include sanctions against individuals and entities linked to the Hysa Organized Crime Group and proposed rulemaking to identify certain Mexican gambling transactions as primary money laundering concerns.
USTR Seeks Input on Critical Minerals Trade Agreement
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has opened a public docket to gather stakeholder input for a proposed "Plurilateral Agreement on Trade in Critical Minerals." This initiative aims to establish multinational policies for critical minerals supply chains, potentially including pricing mechanisms and investment incentives, following President Trump's Section 232 Proclamation.
UK Securitisation Proposals Diverge from EU Position
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) have released consultation papers proposing reforms to the UK securitisation framework. These proposals aim to liberalise due diligence obligations and align with international, particularly US, market practices, diverging from the EU's approach.
Gulf Conflict Impacts Global Oil and LNG Markets
Vinson & Elkins LLP published a notice on March 2, 2026, detailing the potential impacts of the Gulf conflict on global oil and LNG markets. The analysis highlights how the duration and intensity of hostilities could affect crude prices, contractual performance, and supply chain stability for energy companies.
Europe's Phaseout of Russian Gas by 2027 and Contractual Risks
Europe is mandating the phaseout of Russian gas imports by 2027, creating significant market and contractual risks for energy companies. The guidance outlines the policy shift, its impact on gas and LNG contracting, and strategies for managing increased contractual risk due to compressed timelines and geopolitical pressures.
EU Commission Publishes Foreign Subsidies Regulation Guidelines
The European Commission has published new guidelines on the application of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR). These guidelines clarify criteria for assessing distortive foreign subsidies, outline a balancing test for negative versus positive effects, and detail the Commission's power to request prior notification of below-threshold cases.
Greece Enacts New Law to Combat Art Forgery and Protect Cultural Heritage
Greece has enacted Law No. 5271/2026, establishing a new legal framework to combat art forgery and protect cultural items. The law introduces autonomous criminal offenses for forgery and damage to artworks, alongside stricter penalties and a new register for certified art experts. This aims to enhance the protection of the art market and cultural heritage.
China's Cross-Border Data Transfer Regime Enforcement Trends
China's Cyberspace Administration has released two enforcement cases from 2025 concerning violations of cross-border data transfer requirements. These cases, involving hotel and property management sectors, highlight the increasing focus on compliance with the country's data export regulations.
Florida AG Creates Unit to Combat Foreign Adversary Threats
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the creation of the CHINA Prevention Unit to combat threats from foreign adversaries, particularly the Chinese Communist Party, to consumer data privacy and economic security. The unit will audit companies and pursue enforcement actions for violations.
EU Scales Back ESG Reporting and Due Diligence Rules
The EU has published amendments to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) via the Omnibus Directive EU 2026/470. These changes significantly reduce the scope of reporting and due diligence requirements for companies operating in the EU, including higher thresholds and adjusted compliance timelines.
State and Education Depts. Partner on Foreign Gift Reporting
The U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of State have formed a partnership to jointly oversee Section 117 foreign gift and contract reporting requirements for higher education institutions. This collaboration aims to streamline oversight and enhance transparency regarding foreign influence in academia.
DOJ Announces New Trade Fraud Enforcement Initiative
The US Department of Justice has announced a new Trade Fraud Task Force and initiative, elevating trade fraud enforcement to a national and economic security priority. This signals increased scrutiny and criminal enforcement actions against companies involved in customs violations, tariff evasion, and forced labor.
Russia/Ukraine Sanctions Update - February 2026
The U.S. OFAC issued an amended General License 131C extending certain transactions related to Lukoil International GmbH through April 1, 2026, and updated related FAQs. The EU also extended its sanctions against Russia until February 24, 2027, and added eight individuals to its sanctions list.
IRS Guidance on Prohibited Foreign Entity Safe Harbors for Clean Energy Tax Credits
The IRS and Treasury released Notice 2026-15 providing interim guidance on calculating material assistance from prohibited foreign entities for clean energy tax credits under Sections 45Y, 48E, and 45X. The notice outlines a four-step process for determining the Material Assistance Cost Ratio (MACR) and offers certain safe harbors.