Trends and Developments: USA – Washington, D.C.
International Trade attorneys Stephanie Connor, Andrew McAllister, Matt Rosenbaum and Manny Levitt authored an article for Chambers and Partners' 2026 Sanctions guide examining how evolving U.S. sanctions policies, enforcement priorities and geopolitical developments are reshaping compliance obligations for global businesses. They analyze key developments involving Venezuela-, Iran-, Cuba-, Russia- and cartel-related sanctions, as well as the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Asset Control's (OFAC) newfound focus on sanctions evasion, digital assets, maritime trade and professional service providers. The chapter additionally highlights intensified enforcement expectations, emerging whistleblower risks and the need for companies to maintain robust compliance programs as sanctions remain a central tool of U.S. foreign policy and economic security strategy.