Risky Business - International Commerce Under Stress: Russia, Cuba, and Qatar

With recent announcements from President Trump re-imposing certain sanctions on Cuba and apparent bipartisan Congressional support for sharply expanded sanctions on Russia, the pace of change in the ever-shifting landscape of economic sanctions appears to have increased. How can companies stay compliant with current requirements and on top of potential changes, while remaining competitive in an international market that is not following the U.S.’s lead? Join Crowell & Moring’s experienced team of lawyers and international trade advisors for a webinar discussion of best practices in staying ahead of, and compliant with, these ever changing rules. This event will feature a briefing on the latest developments involving the U.S. relations with Russia, Cuba, and Qatar.

Strategies and Insights: International Commerce Under Stress

When the international political landscape changes—bringing with it new risks and potential regulatory landmines—how do you chart a course for what’s ahead? The question has become ever-more pressing for both U.S. and non-U.S. clients in a context in which the U.S. rules are changing rapidly and established expectations are being challenged. Our speakers will not only provide background on the scope of recent—and proposed—changes, but discuss strategies they have helped design for U.S. and non-U.S. companies to maintain competitiveness in the global market. The webinar will be structured around on the following topics:

Russia and Ukraine

• Will non-U.S. companies modify behavior in response to new secondary sanctions authorities related to certain types of transactions with, inter alia, (a) the Russian defense and intelligence sectors or (b) persons in the energy export pipeline sector?
• How will the expansion of sectoral sanctions authorities to new sectors – including (a) mining, (b) metals, (c) shipping, and (d) railroads – affect activity in those sectors?
• Will a reduction in permissible payment terms (to as low as 14 days with some Russian counterparties) effectively force U.S. exporters out of the market? 
• What is the likelihood that the new legislation will pass?
• How will the EU respond? Will the extraterritorial scope threaten the Trans-Atlantic unity on Russia-related measures that has persisted since March 2014? 

Speakers: Cari Stinebower and Dj Wolff

Cuba

• Overview of the U.S. sanctions relaxations since 2014. What impact did that policy have in the Cuban economy? 
• What is the new administration change of course and how would that affect U.S. investors going forward? 
• The Cuban legal system. What are the current main obstacles to overcome when doing business in Cuba? 

Speaker: Mariana Pendás

Additionally, the speakers will address, and be available for questions on, rapidly changing restrictions on trade with other countries including, but not limited to the effects of the Saudi-led dispute with Qatar – what are the current restrictions and do they represent a new form of sanctions, does the dispute fall within the scope of U.S. antiboycott legislation, and what should U.S. companies consider in compliance.