Birgit works with a team of colleagues to assist companies and business groups with cross-border business interests, ranging from import risk mitigation to broader trade competitive objectives.
Birgit’s career was launched as a Customs inspector at the US/Canada border. Today, from Washington, DC, Birgit brings to ArentFox Schiff a deep and broad understanding of trade policy and its implications for the corporate sector. That insight can be read in her numerous articles and media interviews over the years but is truly demonstrated in corporate conference rooms across North America.
“What is over the horizon?” is a common question she addresses when delivering updates for business leaders. Birgit knows that certainty and transparency can drive a company’s competitive advantage. Understanding how trade policy is negotiated and regulated is one of her particular strengths. “Connecting the dots” of fast-paced trade rules is a task for which Birgit is known.
This has made Birgit a sought-after speaker at industry conventions and media interviews. As is demonstrated through her writing and speaking on topics such as the USMCA negotiations, US 232 and 301 tariffs, Buy America(n), and Forced Labor trade enforcement provisions, Birgit speaks the language of business and its nexus with trade policy.
Her ability to apply a holistic approach to the needs of cross-border business begins with colleagues at the firm. Birgit participates in a number of key ArentFox Schiff practices and industries, including the International Trade & Investment Group, National Security Group, Cannabis Practice, Agriculture Technology Group, Electric Mobility Group, and Customs and Import Compliance Group.
Birgit previously served as the US Special Advisor to the President and CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) and prior to this role, she served on the Trade and Economic Policy staff at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, DC.
* Birgit is not a member of the legal practice.
More Legal and Business Bylines From Birgit Matthiesen
- USMCA Automotive Rules of Origin: Congress and the White House Looking to Hear from Industry Leaders. Have They Been Effective? Are Producers Complying? What's Been the Impact on the Economy? - (Posted On Thursday, November 30, 2023)
- Five Questions, Five Answers [PODCAST] - (Posted On Thursday, September 07, 2023)
- The Tangle of US Trade Rules – A Market Builders’ Panel at EVS 36 [Podcast] - (Posted On Wednesday, June 07, 2023)
- Canada Passes Legislation to Ban Imports Produced by Forced Labor – Now What? [PODCAST] - (Posted On Tuesday, May 30, 2023)
- Canada Passes Legislation on Forced Labor and Supply Chain Due Diligence - (Posted On Wednesday, May 10, 2023)
- Canada and Mexico Take Steps to Eliminate Forced Labor from Supply Chains - (Posted On Thursday, April 20, 2023)
- The Government of Canada Releases its 2023-2024 Federal Budget - (Posted On Monday, April 03, 2023)
- Electric Vehicle News From Canada with David Adams - (Posted On Thursday, March 30, 2023)
- A Forward Look at IRA’s Sweeping Impact on the EV Sector [PODCAST] - (Posted On Thursday, March 02, 2023)
- The USMCA – More than A Trade Agreement, A Competitive Strategy: Four Big Questions - (Posted On Wednesday, January 25, 2023)