The Impact of International Trade on Commercial Litigation in Laredo

The quaint city of Laredo, Texas, known for hosting the largest Washington’s Birthday Celebration, is also the primary trade port in the country. More than half of Laredo’s imports come from Mexico, but other common trade partners include China, Canada, South Korea, and Brazil. Texas is also the leading exporter in the U.S., with natural resources like oil, gas, and coal topping the list of goods shipped out of the state.

International trade law governs these business transactions, and disputes are inevitable. Conflicts arising from differences in culture, language, and business practices create issues that threaten to disrupt commerce in Texas and across the globe. The Laredo TX lawyers at Carabin Shaw help businesses navigate the complexities of international trade law, protecting their rights and bottom line.

International trade law is complex and constantly adjusts to meet the global market's needs. Our Texas attorneys are experienced in international commercial litigation and offer free consultations in English or Spanish. We are available 24/7 at 1-800-862-1260.

The business-friendly climate in Texas has led to the highest number of Fortune 500 companies in the country and the top spot for imports and exports. International business is the norm in this state, but with the opportunities also come potential pitfalls. Some of the common commercial litigation issues our lawyers see include:

International contracts must be highly detailed to prevent possible conflicts. A letter of credit can be helpful, allowing the bank to handle payments to the exporter once the importer verifies the goods or services are received in acceptable condition. An expert legal team in Laredo, Texas, well-versed in international contracts, can protect your interests in this signed agreement.

These laws spell out critical guidelines for goods coming in or going out of a country, including:

• Legality of the items
• Conditions for moving
• Documentation required (permits, licenses, certificates, etc.)

By following these laws to the letter, you can rest assured your goods cross borders smoothly and legally.

Duties and tariffs are taxes governments impose on imports and exports. They protect domestic supplies and control the flow of goods across borders. They also generate revenue for the country issuing them. Tariffs impact the price of supplies and your company’s bottom line, so having a legal team that can help you understand these costs is essential to avoid unexpected expenses and keep your prices competitive.

Custom regulations, which fall under import and export laws, govern how goods can enter and exit a country. These regulations include inspections, valuation, and classification that ensure the health and safety of the goods' recipients. Compliance with customs regulations ensures smooth movement through all checkpoints to prevent delays or additional red tape.

Intellectual property (IP) are intangible assets that can be particularly vulnerable in international trade. Companies exporting IP can protect their assets by registering a copyright or trademark, applying for a patent, and implementing additional security measures. Our Texas commercial litigation attorneys help you protect your IP rights to ensure they are not exploited or counterfeited by another company.

In another effort to ramp up the pro-business environment, Texas has established business courts to streamline commercial litigation for the benefit and efficiency of many of the state’s businesses. These courts, which began operating in September 2024, focus on business disputes valued at $10 million and other corporate issues involving management and shareholders.

Business courts offer relief from the strain overloaded district courts often face, expediting some cases under judges with specialized training and experience in commercial litigation. Your legal team will help you determine whether the district or business court will be your case’s best forum.

Commercial litigation is complex, especially when international trade is involved. Our legal team has the expertise and experience to guide you through these disputes. We offer our services on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless your case is won. Read over our reviews to see how we’ve helped other businesses, and then call us at 800-862-1260 to book your free, no-obligation consultation.

Our expert lawyers are standing by.

For more information:

• Laredo EDC
• Tx Biz
• TX Courts