Trump's Trade War: Tariffs and Their Impact on the Global Economy with Reid Whitten of Sheppard Mullin

In this episode of French Insider, Reid Whitten, Managing Partner of Sheppard Mullin’s London office and leader of the firm’s CFIUS team, joins host and Sheppard Mullin’s French Desk Co-Chair, Valérie Demont, to discuss the incoming Trump Administration’s proposed tariffs and their potential impact on international trade.

What We Discussed in This Episode:

• President-Elect Trump has signaled his intention to actively use tariffs as a key tool in trade policy. What has he said on the subject so far, and what can we expect on a general level?

• Where does Europe stand in terms of these tariffs, and will French products be impacted?

• Can we expect a process for tariff exemption under the incoming administration?

• What do we know about the pick for Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, and his views on tariffs?

• If these tariff policies are implemented and enforced as planned, what effects could they have on existing multilateral or bilateral agreements, and what global response might we see?

• What should businesses consider as they prepare for these tariffs, and are there any immediate steps they can take to better position themselves?

• Are there any developments within the United States that could make relocating production domestically more cost-effective for businesses?

• What was the outcome of the previous Trump Administration’s tariff policy, and did they accomplish President Trump’s goals?

About Reid Whitten

As Managing Partner of Sheppard Mullin’s London office and leader of the firm’s CFIUS Team, Reid Whitten’s practice centers on international trade regulations and investigations.

Reid is a member of Chatham House, the UK's Royal Institute of International Affair, as well as an adjunct lecturer at the New College of the Humanities in London, at the Université Catholique de Lille in France, and at Wake Forest University in the U.S. He also conducts seminars on regulatory updates for industry groups in the U.S., France, Belgium, Spain and the UK.

 As a thought leader in cross-border business regulation, Reid is frequently called upon to provide commentary and analysis for television news channels, international newspapers and trade publications. He is also the lead author and editor of The CFIUS Book.

About Valérie Demont

Based in the firm’s New York office, Valérie Demont is a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Corporate Practice Group, where she focuses primarily on U.S. and cross-border mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance matters. As a leader of the firm’s French Desk team, she advises foreign companies on the establishment and growth of their operations in the United States, acting as de facto "outside general counsel" for non-U.S. companies in the United States.  

Valérie has been involved in numerous mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and dispositions for corporations and private equity funds in the U.S., Europe (including France) and Asia (including India).

Not only is she a frequent speaker at events focused on cross-border trade, but she is also an outside pro bono counsel to Girls Who Invest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in portfolio management and executive leadership in the asset management industry.

Contact Information

Reid Whitten

Valérie Demont

Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week.

If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.