Find a lawyerOur capabilitiesYour career
Locations
Our capabilities
News

Select language:

Locations
Our capabilities
News

Select language:

hamburger menu showcase image
  1. Our capabilities
  2. International trade

International trade

In today's interconnected markets, Freshfields guides you through international trade complexities – from tariffs to emerging challenges like carbon border taxes. Our tailored advice helps you seize opportunities and mitigate risks.
hero-image-0

Expert counsel to master trade challenges and unlock global opportunities

Navigating international trade can be challenging, but it's also filled with opportunity. We partner with a wide range of clients – from global corporations to governments and trade associations – to tackle complex challenges and unlock potential in today's interconnected markets.

We understand that international trade isn't just about dry regulations; it's about real-world impact on businesses and economies. That's why we deliver practical, actionable advice that goes beyond the rulebook.

Our expertise covers WTO and FTA obligations, trade barriers in services, government procurement rules, antidumping measures, and customs regulations. We also lead on emerging issues – whether it's tariffs, deforestation, supply chain due diligence, carbon border taxes, or evolving subsidy rules. As geopolitical uncertainties rise, we help you navigate the implications of tariffs, manage retaliatory risks, comply with export licensing, and steer through shifting international sanctions.

Our team blends diverse legal backgrounds and top-tier experience in international trade law, including world-leading academic expertise. We don't just understand the legal intricacies – we grasp the commercial and political implications too. This holistic approach allows us to craft tailored, comprehensive solutions that meet your unique needs.

When trade issues intersect with other legal areas, we collaborate seamlessly with our colleagues to provide integrated, expert advice. Whether you're facing a trade dispute, navigating sanctions, or need guidance on major international agreements, we’re your trusted partners in mastering the dynamic world of international trade.

Related capabilities

State aid and subsidies

Highlight experience

primary-card-image
A major global FMCG company

Acting for a major global FMCG company which regularly faces new regulatory initiatives in different jurisdictions in relation to technical regulations and intellectual property rights

Our advice in this regard has included advising on the potential for challenge, in appropriate cases, under WTO agreements (including under the TBT and TRIPS Agreements).

primary-card-image

Contacts

Meet the team
London

Lorand Bartels

Counsel
London, Brussels

Martin McElwee

Partner
Brussels

Tone Oeyen

Partner
Tokyo

Kaori Yamada

Partner
Washington, DC

Nabeel Yousef

Partner
London

Kate Gough

Partner
Meet the team

Our thinking

Our thinking

Apr 25 2025

Tariff Crisis: Navigating Contractual Challenges and Remedies for Businesses operating in Germany

The recent escalation of US tariffs on imports from around the world, and tariff retaliation from (so far) China and Canada, and...
Blog
Apr 23 2025

Update to Tariff Landscape under President Trump

On April 9, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) 14266 modifying EO 14257 imposing “reciprocal” tariffs and further increasing country-specific tariffs against China.

Blog
Apr 3 2025

Navigating the New Trade Landscape under President Trump

Since February 2025, President Trump has taken various executive actions, including the latest Executive Order published on April 2, 2025, imposing a wide array of tariffs on imports into the United States. 

Mar 26 2025

A Growing Branch of Supply Chain Risk: the Timber Regulations

Introduction In recent years, multinational corporations have been under growing regulatory pressure to manage the risks which arise from...
Mar 3 2025

Freshfields Authors Chapter on Strategic Considerations for Companies Navigating Sanctions Processes at the Leading Multilateral Development Banks

The sanctions processes within the leading multilateral development banks (MDBs) can result in serious consequences for the people and...
Feb 14 2025

Freshfields’ geopolitical conversations at Munich Security Conference 2025

What specific impacts of geopolitical tensions are companies facing today? How should governments balance free trade with the protection...
Feb 13 2025

Freshfields' geopolitical monitor

Geopolitical risks are a significant concern for businesses and investors in the current global landscape. Understanding these risks is...
Dec 2 2024

Final U.S. Outbound Investment Rule: Overview and Key Takeaways for Investors

The Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”) issued its Final Rule (“Rule”) to implement President Biden’s Outbound Investment Executive...
Oct 14 2024

New BIS Guidance Raises the Stakes for Financial Institutions: Safeguarding Against Export Control Violations

On October 9, 2024, the US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published guidance (the Guidance) outlining export...
Oct 8 2024

US Signals Expanded AI Export Regulations in Forthcoming Reporting Requirements

On September 11, 2024, the Biden administration released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (the Proposed Rule) that would establish...
Oct 3 2024

Incentives, Penalties, and Enforcers: BIS’s Final Rule Signals Focus on Corporate Compliance Enhancements

On September 12, 2024, the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued a final rule revising the Export...

Related capabilities

State aid and subsidiesSanctions
Related capabilities
NAVIGATE TO
About usLocations and officesYour careerOur thinkingOur capabilitiesNews
CONNECT
Find a lawyerAlumniContact us
NEED HELP
Fraud and scamsComplaintsTerms and conditions
LEGAL
AccessibilityCookiesLegal noticesTransparency in supply chains statementResponsible procurementPrivacy

Select language:
Select language:
© 2026 Freshfields. Attorney Advertising: prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome