ArentFox Schiff Legal Podcasts

In the latest installment of Five Questions, Five Answers, host Birgit Matthiesen is joined by colleagues Dan Renberg, former member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and Kelsey Griswold-Berger, former long-time Congressional senior staff member who served as senior trade advisor to Finance Committee member Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). 

They delve into the differing trade priorities of the presidential candidates, Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, while also exploring the future of trade agreements, the significance of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the dynamics of congressional races, and more.

Highlights of the conversation include:

How the two candidates differ on US trade policy.

Insights into how congressional leadership will influence trade priorities.

The future of the USMCA under either Administration.

How ongoing geopolitical tensions are reshaping trade negotiations for the years ahead.

Just two weeks before the November elections, podcast host Birgit Matthiesen gathers her colleagues to talk US trade policy. Her guests are well known within the electric mobility industry — David R. Hamill, partner and International Trade & Investment practice leader, Antonio J. Rivera, Electric Mobility practice group leader, and Associate James Kim. Listen in as they untangle the news from Washington, DC, and its real-world implications for the electric mobility sector — from investment strategy to procurement options.

They dive into ongoing US tariff applications, the complexity and tangle of trade regulations, and the importance of understanding critical legal definitions such as substantial transformation and “country of origin.” The discussion begins with the question of what a Trump 2.0 or Harris 1.0 Administration might change from the current direction of US trade regulations and tariffs in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions. It ends with a look ahead to the upcoming United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) review consultations in 2025 and what companies could be doing now to best position their industry when formal talks are launched in mid-2026.

Highlights of the conversation include:

How political landscapes significantly influence trade policies.

Information on US tariffs and how they are designed to incentivize domestic manufacturing.

Following the presidential election, US tariffs on a wide range of imports from China are likely to continue.

Insights into how companies must prepare for the USMCA review in 2025.

Asking the right questions to help untangle trade regulations.

In the latest installment of Five Questions, Five Answers, host Birgit Matthiesen sits down with Thomas Boylan, regulatory director at Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), to discuss the importance and benefits of transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), specifically electric school buses, for public health, climate, and economic advantages.

They delve into the need for public education and advocacy to drive the transition and the impact of trade policies and tariffs on the EV supply chain. The discussion also covers the significant role of grid modernization in supporting electric mobility and ZETA's future plans for policy implementation, defending tax incentives, and advocacy for the EV supply chain. They are also joined by Antonio Rivera, partner and leader of the firm’s Electric Mobility practice, who provides the latest updates on Section 301 tariffs and their impacts on the industry.

Highlights of the conversation include:

- The public health, climate, and economic benefits of advancing the adoption of EVs, particularly electric school buses.

- The necessity of public education and outreach to make school districts aware of funding opportunities for electric buses and assist them in navigating the competitive application process.

- The role of grid modernization, including vehicle-to-grid applications and managed charging, in supporting the transition to electric mobility.

- The impact of trade policies and tariffs on the EV supply chain, underscoring the need for advocacy to protect tax incentives and promote domestic manufacturing.

- The continued commitment of ZETA to implement policies, defend tax incentives, and advocate for the EV supply chain, fostering a sustainable future.

In the latest installment of Five Questions, Five Answers, host Birgit Matthiesen is joined by International Trade & Investment Partner Leah Scarpelli to discuss the recent developments in US-China tariffs, specifically the Section 301 tariffs.

Birgit and Leah delve into the potential implications of a 100% tariff on electric vehicles (EVs) from China, the May 14 conclusion of the Biden Administration's review of these longstanding tariffs, the Office of the US Trade Representative’s (USTR) proposal that the tariffs will continue but most product exclusions will not, and the White House's call for public comment on these proposals.

Highlights of the conversation include:

• An in-depth analysis of the USTR's four-year review and its proposed changes.

• The continuation and potential expansion of existing tariffs in certain sectors.

• The introduction of a limited exclusion process for requesting exclusions from the tariffs.

• The importance for importers to understand their supply chain and confirm the country of origin for shipments.

• The encouragement for companies to submit public comments on the proposed modifications to the tariffs.

In the latest episode of Five Questions, Five Answers, Birgit Matthiesen sits down with Stephen Hanley, senior writer at CleanTechnica.com, to discuss the electric vehicle (EV) revolution and the concept of the "S curve."  

They also discuss the factors that influence EV adoption, such as incentives, infrastructure, and consumer attitudes toward new technology. 

Key Takeaways:

- The EV revolution is alive and well in many parts of the world, with some countries like Norway already reaching mainstream acceptance.

- The S curve tracks the adoption of new technologies, with 5% of customers investing in new technology being an important milestone.

In the latest installment of Five Questions, Five Answers, host Birgit Matthiesen is joined by International Trade & Investment Associate Jessica DiPietro for a deep dive into the complex world of aluminum extrusions.

These ubiquitous materials, found in a broad spectrum of manufactured goods and across a multitude of industries, are currently under the microscope of a sweeping trade investigation led by Washington, DC. The potential outcome? Hefty import tariffs that could soar into triple digits.

Birgit and Jessica offer a concise breakdown of the investigation, its potential triple-digit tariffs, and critical insights for company executives.

Highlights of the conversation include:

- The pivotal role of aluminum extrusions in key industries, notably automotive and transportation.

- The intricate process of the trade investigation on aluminum extrusions, encompassing the filing of petitions and the determination of dumping and subsidization.

- The broad scope of the investigation, encompassing a variety of products and countries.

- The importance for companies to be proactive, specifically in reviewing their supply chain and determining the sourcing country for aluminum extrusions.

- The various engagement opportunities in the investigation, including the submission of comments and participation in the International Trade Commission's (ITC) proceedings.

In this installment of Five Questions, Five Answers, Birgit Matthiesen is joined by Dr. Austin Brown, the Office Director at the US Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office. In this conversation, Dr. Brown shares with listeners the role his Office plays in the Administration’s Clean Energy initiative.

Highlights of the conversation include:

- The Administration’s ongoing support for the US electric mobility sector.

- The number of incentives and programs encouraging the development of clean energy technology, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act.

- The DOE’s initiatives to expand the availability of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

In the latest installment of Five Questions, Five Answers, Birgit Matthiesen is joined by Leah Scarpelli, a Partner with the firm’s International Trade & Investment Practice. In this end-of-year discussion, Birgit and Leah provide listeners with the latest news from Washington on US “special” 301 tariffs – where things stood at the end of 2023 and what to expect in 2024.

Highlights of the conversation include:

- The significance of US trade tensions with China and US 301 tariffs.

- Recent announcements from the US Trade Representative’s (USTR) Office inviting comments on the continuation of these tariffs and comments in regard to current product exclusions.

- The uncertainties surrounding tariff extensions and potential retaliation from China.

In the latest installment of WorldSmart, Hunter Carter is joined by Partner Malcolm McNeil and the CEO of FLOGEN Technologies, Dr. Florian Kongoli, to explore the intricate relationship between sustainability, technology, and the intersection of science, law, and medicine.

Dr. Kongoli discusses his company’s work in the chemistry and metal industries and his involvement in FLOGEN Stars Outreach, a nonprofit organization committed to increasing the visibility of scientists and engineers in society.

From November 27 - December 1, Hunter Carter will join SIPS' Carter International Symposium in Panama, honoring his distinguished work and lifetime achievements in international arbitration and human rights advocacy. Engage in round table discussions with high-level representatives, exploring pathways towards sustainability in various industries and disciplines. Learn more here.

In the latest episode of Fashion Counsel, AFS Chairman Anthony V. Lupo is joined by Thomas Crispi, AFS Product Liability and Mass Torts Practice leader, to discuss how retailers and manufacturers can anticipate potential product issues and have a plan in place to handle US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) inquires, class actions, and probable liability.