South America: International Law

The Mexican Ministry of Economy has initiated an antidumping investigation into carbon steel sheet imports from Japan following a petition by Grupo Acerero, S.A. de C.V. The investigation covers hot-rolled, flat-rolled steel products and establishes specific deadlines for Japanese producers and exporters to respond, with the dumping period under review spanning all of 2025.

FinCEN has issued a new alert detailing how Mexican cartels are exploiting U.S. financial institutions to smuggle fuel across the southern border, evade Mexican import taxes, and launder billions in illicit proceeds. The alert outlines red flags for financial institutions and announces new OFAC sanctions targeting key operatives in the fiscal fuel theft scheme.

The United States has expanded its list of Mexican criminal organizations designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists, adding the Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras to six previously designated cartels. This development significantly impacts compliance and risk management for companies operating in Mexico with U.S. connections, as U.S. law prohibits providing material support to designated organizations and restricts transactions with blocked entities.

Investment treaty arbitration requires careful analysis of temporal jurisdiction to determine whether challenged State conduct falls within a treaty's scope. This examination explores the legal framework governing...

Senator Carlos Portinho has introduced Amendment #8 to Bill No. 2,210/2022, proposing significant measures to protect Brazilian judicial sovereignty in patent disputes. The amendment introduces mechanisms to counter foreign anti-suit injunctions and interim licenses that interfere with Brazilian court proceedings, including business suspension powers and substantial financial penalties. How will this legislative initiative reshape Brazil's approach to international patent litigation and strengthen its innov

The Supreme Court's January 27, 2025 decision denying the Republic of Argentina's petition for a writ of certiorari in Argentina v. Attestor Master Value...

Brazil's Executive Management Committee of the Foreign Trade Chamber has extended the 12% export tax rate on crude petroleum oils and bituminous mineral oils for an additional 60 days. The extension, formalized through GECEX Resolution No. 957/2026, maintains the tax structure previously established under Resolution No. 938/2026 and takes effect on September 8, 2026.

Unprecedented drought conditions from a historic El Niño event are creating severe transit restrictions at the Panama Canal, forcing vessel owners and charterers to navigate complex legal questions about redelivery obligations and cost allocations. As water levels in Gatun Lake plummet and transit auction prices soar to record-breaking levels, the maritime industry faces critical decisions about legitimate final voyages, alternative routing, and contractual responsibilities under charter party terms.

Senegal and Mexico share strong diplomatic ties, but the real opportunity lies in transforming this relationship into tangible business ventures. Mexico's open investment regime, access to 130 million consumers, and strategic position as a gateway to North American markets present compelling opportunities for Senegalese companies in agribusiness, manufacturing, telecommunications, and logistics to expand their operations across the Americas.