Firms To Watch: International trade

Led by Karla Borges and Fernanda Manzano Sayeg, the international trade team at BFSA - Borges Furlaneto Sociedade de Advogados is regarded for its expertise in anti-dumping reviews and trade-related tax issues.

International trade in Brazil

Demarest Advogados

Demarest Advogados’ international trade and customs practice is a popular choice for clients seeking assistance with trade remedies investigations, especially those in the mining, steel, textile and food products sectors. Other areas of expertise include importation, anti-dumping and customs issues, such as valuation, classification and licensing. Led by José Setti Diaz, the practice benefits from his expertise in anti-dumping, subsidies, tariffs, trade barriers, import licensing and disputes. Camila Biral is also highlighted as a key member of the team focusing on contentious matters in this space. ‘Distinguished customs lawyerVictor Lopes handles government relations initiatives regarding Brazilian international trade policy, while Fernando Buenoboasts extensive expertise in trade defence procedures and governmental affairs concerning tariffs and international trade‘.

Responsables de la pratique:

José Setti Diaz


Autres avocats clés:

Victor Lopes; Fernando Bueno; Camila Biral; Vitória Malucelli


Les références

‘The firm is full-service, offering complete and horizontal support, even when faced with a specific issue. The firm has a team that is not only highly qualified and specialised, but also very comprehensive. In other words, you can count on the best professionals in the market in practically all areas of law.’

‘It is a leading firm renowned for its expertise in handling complex trade cases. The firm possesses a remarkable ability to efficiently process extensive volumes of data and documents from multiple parties simultaneously. Additionally, they exhibit a profound understanding of the market and its key players, offering savvy advice and strategic guidance.’

‘Fernando Bueno boasts extensive expertise in trade defence procedures and governmental affairs concerning tariffs and international trade. His wide network, respect within the field, and pragmatic approach make him a standout professional.’

Principaux clients

Vale


Usiminas


Brazilian Sporting Goods Industry Association (APICE)


Chevron


Varian Medical Systems


Siemens Gamesa


Siemens Healthcare


National Tire Industry Association


Maersk


Fujitsu


Tiffany & Co.


Roche Diabetes Care


Daikin


Integration Consulting


National Industry Confederation (“CNI”)


Shenzhen Cotran New Material Co. Ltd.


Tecumseh do Brasil Ltda.


3M


Ge Healthcare


Bacardi


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted USIMINAS with the anti-dumping and countervailing duties sunset reviews initiated by the US over hot rolled-steel and the carbon and alloy steel cut-to-length plate.
  • Represented APICE, its member companies (Nike, Adidas, Puma, Asics, etc) and the Chinese manufacturers/exporters (PouChen, Dean Shoes, Taekwang, Apache, etc) in the anti-dumping sunset review investigation and public interest assessment launched by BTRA (Brazilian Trade Remedies Authority) on footwear products imported from China.
  • Assisted Tecumseh with disputes against ELETROS concerning the local content requirement for manufacturers of air conditioners and the import duty rate applicable to compressors used in refrigerators.

Pinheiro Neto Advogados

Praised for its 'high-quality, clear and well-supported opinions', Pinheiro Neto Advogados‘ team is a first-choice in the Brazilian market for clients facing trade remedies investigations. In this space, its expertise encompasses original investigations, sunset reviews and public interest proceedings. In addition, the team regularly handles disputes before the WTO dispute settlement system, as well as significant customs and international trade cases before the administrative and judicial courts. Customs expert Mauro Berenholc jointly leads the practice with Renê Medrado, who focuses on trade remedies, trade disputes and competition-related trade issues.

Autres avocats clés:

Mauro Berenholc; Renê Medrado; Carol Sayeg; Julia Heinzen; João Paulo Cavalcanti Junqueira; Milena Gomes Lopes


 


Les références

‘A full range of specialisations and qualified professionals in each of them, and high-quality, clear and well-supported opinions, set them apart from other firms.’

‘In general, all the professionals with whom we have contact stand out in their areas of expertise.’

‘Extremely experienced, with full coverage. They know the next steps before they happen.’

Principaux clients

Nishimura e Asahi


Farfetch.com Brasil Serviços Ltda.


JF Hillebrand do Brasil Transportes Internacionais Ltda.


Tansan Industria Quimica Ltda.


General Motors


BASF


McDonald’s (Arcos Dorados)


Tetra Pak Ltda.


Cargill Agrícola


Whirlpool Group


Principaux dossiers


Veirano Advogados

WTO dispute settlement proceedings, anti-circumvention investigations, anti-dumping investigations and reviews are key areas of expertise for the 'well-trained and highly knowledgeable' international trade practice at Veirano Advogados. The team attracts regular instructions from clients operating in an array of sectors, including automotive, chemicals, telecoms, IT, animal health, pulp and paper. Ana Caetano sits at the helm of the department, boasting significant experience defending Brazilian interests at the WTO. At associate level, Lucas Biasetton is highlighted for his expertise in trade matters involving environmental issues, while Maria Carolina Pereira is regarded for her litigation experience.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ana Caetano


 


Autres avocats clés:

Filipe Richter; Lucas Biasetton; Maria Carolina Pereira


Les références

‘High knowledge of the subject of trade defence. Highly trained lawyers with close attention to deadlines and high proactivity.’

‘Availability of the partner, strategic and objective vision, careful monitoring of the process and anticipation of solutions.’

‘The firm’s team is well-trained and highly knowledgeable on the subject.’

Principaux clients

Brazilian Association of Glass Industry (ABIVIDRO)


Arcelor Mittal Brasil (AMB)


BASF S.A. (BASF)


BMW do Brasil Ltda. (BMW)


Braskem S.A. (Braskem)


Associação Administradora da Faixa de 3,5 GHz (EAF)


Nordex Energy Brasil


PROMERC


Siemens Healthcare Diagnósticos


Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX)


Borrachas Vipal S.A. (Vipal)


Yara Brasil Fertilizantes S/A (Yara Brasil)


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising the Brazilian Association of Glass Industry (ABIVIDRO) on the initiation of a new anti-dumping investigation on imports of glass objects.
  • Represented Braskem, the domestic producer of polyvinylchloride suspension (PVC-S), polypropylene resins (PP) and polyethylene (PE) in different trade proceedings.
  • Represented Borrachas Vipal S.A. (Vipal) in a matter related to rubber tires in the Mercosul’s List of Exception to the Common Nomenclature (LETEC).

Azevedo Sette Advogados

At Azevedo Sette Advogados, a key focus for the international trade practice is its anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations work; other areas of activity include matters related to import tariff changes, litigation and advocacy before government agencies. Practice head Luiz Eduardo Salles has significant experience in assisting international organisations, government multinationals and trade associations in high-profile international trade mandates. The recently promoted Lucas Bianchini now forms part of the team’s partner offering specialising in trade remedies investigations. At associate level, Ana Clara Appolinário de Almeida and Marco Chung are both highly regarded for their capabilities in international trade, WTO, and antitrust matters. Ingrid Bandeira Santos is another name to note in the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Luiz Eduardo Salles


 


Autres avocats clés:

Lucas Bianchini; Ingrid Bandeira Santos; Ana Clara Appolinário de Almeida; Marco Chung


Les références

‘Luiz Eduardo Salles (partner) is one of the most renowned lawyers in the field of international trade. He has in-depth knowledge of the subject and is constantly updating his knowledge.’

‘The whole team works hard to understand the sectoral and business aspects that impact on the case. Constant dialogue with the client. Flexibility to deal with the client’s internal processes.’

Principaux dossiers


Grinberg Cordovil Advogados (GCA)

Boutique law firm Grinberg Cordovil Advogados (GCA) is a popular choice for clients seeking assistance with tariff reduction, customs litigation and subsidies investigations. Co-lead Leonor Cordovil possesses extensive expertise in international trade, and regularly advises clients from the chemicals, steel, pharmaceuticals and technology sectors, to name a few. Cordovil jointly oversees the practice alongside Ricardo Casanova Motta, a key contact for domestic and international trade remedy cases. Senior associate Bernardo Leite maintains a strong anti-dumping duties practice, showcasing significant experience in representing clients before foreign authorities on administrative review cases.

Responsables de la pratique:

Leonor Cordovil; Ricardo Motta


 


Autres avocats clés:

Bernado Leite; Naiana Magrini


Les références

‘The expertise of the practice area; knowledge about the company that I work for and many years of practice in this sector; availability of the professionals to partner very closely with in-house counsel and internal teams; ability to maintain high performance professionals with high level expertise for long periods (low turnover) and development of new lawyers without disruptions – All these factors make it easy to work and partner with Grinberg e Cordovil Advogados. ’

‘Expertise and consolidated experience of lawyers.’

‘Bernardo Leite and Leonor Cordovil are recommended.’

Principaux clients

The Dow Chemical Company


Union Carbide Corp.


Dow Brasil


Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio


Unigel Participações S.A.


Proquigel Química


Borregaard Brasil


Associação Brasileira do Alumínio (ABAL)


Arlanxeo Emulsion Rubber France S.A.S


Aperam Inox América do Sul S.A.


Arlanxeo Brasil S.A.


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing Dow Brasil Sudeste as a petitioner in an anti-dumping investigation regarding the existence of dumping in exports from China and the US to Brazil of polyether polyols.
  • Advising Companhia Brasileira do Alumínio (CBA) on the second administrative review of the anti-dumping duty imposed by the US against imports of aluminium foil from Brazil.
  • Advised Aperam Inox América do Sul S.A. on the opening of the anti-circumvention investigation over the imports of cold rolled steel from China.

MPA Trade Law

Praised for its ‘great speed and agility‘, boutique law firm MPA Trade Law provides its clients with specialist international trade and WTO-related advice. Well-equipped to advise on WTO agreements, trade disputes, Mercosur law and tariff classification, the group often acts in domestic and international trade remedy investigations involving Brazilian exports. Co-founder Claudia Marques oversees the department alongside Rodrigo Pupo, both of whom have 'extensive knowledge of the legal and commercial constraints surrounding transactions and commercial practices in the global supply chain'.

Responsables de la pratique:

Claudia Marques; Rodrigo Pupo


Les références

‘They always act with great speed and agility, and are very attentive to the details that impact the case in question.’

‘Attention, dedication, exclusivity, personality.’

Claudia Marques – professionalism.’

Principaux clients

Petrom Petroquímica


ABIMAQ – Brazilian Machinery Builders’Association


Abal (Brazilian Aluminium Association)


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted ABIMAQ – Brazilian Machinery Builders’ Association with the modification of the tariff treatment of wind turbines in light of recent international developments and Brazilian energy transition.

MW Trade

Founded in 2023, MW Trade is a boutique law firm specialising in international trade law matters. Trade remedies, tariff reductions, customs proceedings and the importation and exportation of technological products are all core areas of expertise for the team. Praised for her ‘strong expertise in customs regulations‘, Andrea Weiss Balassiano heads up the team alongside Carol Monteiro de Carvalho, a ‘go-to lawyer when in need of defence in an anti-dumping investigation‘. January 2023 saw the addition of Ana Vitroia Muniz Bokoz and Julia Fiori Gradia Lima from Mundie e Advogados; Gabriele Esmeraldo de Lucena Oliveira joined from Cascione Pulino Boulos Advogados in January 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Carol Monteiro de Carvalho; Andréa Weiss Balassiano


Autres avocats clés:

Ana Vitroia Muniz Bokoz; Julia Fiori Gradia Lima; Gabriele Esmeraldo de Lucena Oliveira


Les références

‘I would like to highlight the work of partners Carol Monteiro and Andrea Weiss. Andrea has a strong expertise in customs regulations; and Carol is a go-to lawyer when in need of defence in an antidumping investigation. Carol understands the business perspective and provides creative legal solutions to get excellent results.’

‘The firm is very focused on the international trade segment and therefore has a great deal of specialisation in the area. As a smaller firm, it provides highly customised advice, paying attention to the smallest details of its clients’ needs.’

‘Partners Andrea Weiss and Carol Monteiro are very well-known international trade practitioners.’

Principaux clients

Oswaldo Cruz Química


SUMEC Machinery and Electric Co., Ltd


China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME)


Rio Branco Comércio e Indústria de Papéis


OIW Telecom


Albaugh brasil


Targa Medical (Lemgruber)


Nitriflex indústria e comercio S/A


Apsen Farmacêutica


Adidas do Brasil


Marchon Eyewear


Fraser Alexander


ABRABE – Associação Brasileira de Bebidas


Telespazio Brasil


Abióptica – Associação Brasileira das Indústrias Ópticas


Ensign Industry Co. Ltd


Ápice – Associação pela Indústria e Comércio Esportivo


China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals (“CCCMC”)


Grupo Cataratas


Elgin S/A


De Rigo Brasil Ltda.


Daffodil Pharmachem Private Limited, India


Nestle S/A


AST Sciense


COFCO Corporation


Frigelar


Natrio


Pou Chen Group / Apache Group / Dean Shoes and Tae Kwang Group


Sasol Limited Company (South Africa)


Viasat Inc.


Fábrica De Sao Latex São Roque


Newell Co


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Targa S.A with its anti-dumping investigation against the export of rubber gloves by Malaysia, Thailand and China.
  • Represents Nitriflex in the sunset review of the anti-dumping duty applied to the Brazilian imports of NBR rubber from France and South Korea.
  • Represented Albaugh do Brazil in an anti-dumping investigation against the Brazilian exports of fungicides to Argentina.

Carla Junqueira & Associadas Trade Law

Clients praise Carla Junqueira & Associadas Trade Law‘s ‘excellent capacity for dialogue with the Brazilian authorities responsible for customs and foreign trade policies‘. The boutique firm specialises in international trade matters, specifically trade remedies related to aluminium, petrochemicals, plastic and paper. Founding partner Carla Junqueira heads up the practice and is highly regarded for her work related to trade remedies and WTO matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Carla Junqueira


Les références

‘The firm provides personalised services and acts with speed in sending information, when required by our company. Decisions in international trade actions must be made quickly and the firm enables that through the knowledge of international norms and rules. This way we can advance more assertively and with agility in the decisions made in different processes.’

‘The members of the firm stand out for their service and knowledge of international standards.’

‘We often turn to CJA Trade for complex cases. It is a specialised law firm with in-depth knowledge in the area, so when the cases are very complicated, only Carla Junqueira can solve them. The team works proactively, and the lawyers are very detail-oriented. But the most important thing is that they know the most sophisticated technical part of this area. When no one knows what to do, they do.’

Principaux clients

Procter & Gamble Brasil


Oxiteno S/A


Brazilian Association of Producers of Cans for Beverages (ABRALATAS)


Bembras


ABIT


Movimento Down Ngo


Gol Linhas Aéreas


Bersa


Ball Corporation


Alsthröm-Munksjö


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Procter & Gamble Brasil with an administrative proceeding for the reduction of the import tariff applied to the polymer called absorbent gel material (AGM).
  • Represented Oxiteno in an anti-dumping investigation concerning the reapplication of the anti-dumping duty on imports of Etanolamine from Germany.
  • Acting on behalf of Alsthröm-Munksjö in administrative proceedings to consider an increase in the import tariff for uncoated, unprinted, and unimpregnated base paper, with dimensions in rolls equal to or exceeding 1250 mm.

Madrona Fialho Advogados

Following its merger with Fialho Salles Advogados in February 2023, clients choose the international trade practice at Madrona Fialho Advogados for its ‘deep technical knowledge‘. The team frequently represents companies from a variety of sectors in international trade negotiations and WTO matters. Practice head Lucas Spadano is often engaged by clients, including companies and industry associations, from the machinery, equipment, technology, and metals segments. At associate level, Bruna Prado is noted for her in-depth knowledge of international trade and competition matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Lucas Spadano


Autres avocats clés:

Bruna Prado


Les références

‘Team with deep technical knowledge, strategic, flexible, dynamic and objective’.

‘Lucas Spadano – In-depth knowledge, analytical, punctual, flexible, strategist.’

 

Principaux clients

Confederação Nacional da Indústria – CNI (the National Industry Confederation in Brazil)


Rima Industrial S/A


Brazilian Machine and Equipment Industry Association (ABIMAQ)


ABRINQ – Associação Brasileira dos Fabricantes de Brinquedos


BYD Energy do Brasil Ltda.


Wyda Indústria de Embalagens


ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions (now FLSmidth)


Innovative Seed Solutions (ISS)


Sunew Filmes Fotovoltaicos Impressos S/A (Sunew)


Clamper Indústria e Comércio S/A (Clamper)


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Confederação Nacional da Indústria on developing a guide on the Brazil-Chile free trade agreement.
  • Advised Rima Industrial on the sunset review concerning the anti-dumping duties applied to metallic magnesium imported from Russia.
  • Acted for BYD Brasil in judicial proceedings on the suspension of the effects of a government resolution reducing to zero the import taxes (under the ‘ex tarifário’ regime) for solar panels.

Trench Rossi Watanabe

Trench Rossi Watanabe is well placed to advise on a host of trade and customs mandates, from WTO law to cases involving anti-dumping, subsidies, safeguards and public interest analysis proceedings. The department also fields a sub-group dedicated to supply chain arrangements, commercial contracts compliance and other contractual issues. The practice is under the joint leadership of six practitioners: Francisco Niclós Negrão is sought after for his experience in anti-dumping investigations; Rafael Gregorin and Horácio Veiga de Almeida Neto bring tax and customs knowledge to the table; Paulo Casagrande focuses on antitrust matters; Alessandra Machado brings expertise in the technology sector; while Marcia Calafate specialises in supply chain matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Francisco Niclós Negrao; Rafael Gregorin; Horácio Veiga de Almeida Neto; Paulo Casagrande; Alessandra Machado; Marcia Calafate


Autres avocats clés:

Marcelle Silbiger; Déborah Melo; Andrea Cruz


Les références

‘In my experience, the practice values their clients, delivers excellent service quality, and dedicates personalised attention to each case.’

‘The degree of expertise and experience of the individuals is outstanding. The lawyers are exceptionally knowledgeable, proactive when providing a complete legal advice, while also being always responsive and available. I highlight Alessandra Machado.’

‘We hired the firm because Francisco Negrão migrated to this team and he has always been the lead lawyer in some of our commercial defence cases. He is an excellent lawyer with great technical knowledge of the cases, as well as the social skills to participate in meetings with organisations and the government.’

Principaux clients

ELETROS (National Association of Producers of Appliances)


Embraco / Nidec


Knight Pharmaceuticals (United Medical)


Bosch


Fedex


AGCO


Suzano


Hasbro


Maple Bear


Takeda


MSD


Oracle


Cisco


Braskem


P&G


Organon


Vale


BRP


DuPont


CPFL


IBM


Pepsico


An American multinational technology company


Siemens


Trimble


Estee Lauder


Motorola


Eaton


Vale


Brasdril Sociedade de Perfurações Ltda./ Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.


EDF Renouvelables S/A


GE Celma


McDermott


NOV


Weatherford


Transocean


BP


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for ELETROS (National Association of Producers of Appliances) in five cases opposing requests submitted by the steel industry for the increase of the import tariffs for steel products used in the manufacturing of home appliances.
  • Advised Brasdril Sociedade de Perfurações on a tax assessment issued by the Brazilian IRS to charge the import duties suspended (Import Tax, PIS, COFINS and penalties) derived from the import of an offshore drilling rig under the Repetro Special Customs Regime.
  • Represented Nidec/Embraco in the submission of a response to an administrative appeal in the landmark hot-rolled steel public interest case in Brazil.