Trade Tariffs

The intersection of U.S. trade policy and international economic integration is a perennial source of complexity, especially in the context of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the imposition of duties under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974

In an era of heightened geopolitical tensions, economic sanctions, and natural disasters, international trade faces unprecedented disruptions. Force majeure clauses have become critical risk allocation mechanisms, yet many parties fail to understand their limitations and requirements. This analysis examines why businesses must carefully draft and review these contractual provisions to protect themselves from liabilities arising from circumstances beyond their control.

Ian Cameron, an analyst with Steptoe's Global Strategic Engagements Team, discusses critical developments in European geopolitics with fellow analyst Thomas Goldstein. Their conversation explores the evolving dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Franco-German efforts to forge a unified European approach to China, and the transformation of Europe's defense industrial base amid shifting transatlantic relations.

The White House has imposed tariffs of up to 100% on imported Unmanned Aircraft Systems and components following a Department of Commerce investigation into cybersecurity vulnerabilities and foreign supply chain dependencies. These measures establish new regulatory pathways to encourage domestic manufacturing while creating exemptions for allied nations and companies committed to building U.S. production facilities. The directive fundamentally reshapes procurement and deployment strategies for drone technol