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International Trade & Investment Law

International Trade & Investment Law

We know International Trade & Investment Law

International Trade & Investment Law

Our international trade and investment team help to resolve the impact of regulations mandated by the foreign countries on your international business. We help clients overcome commercial obstacles related to market access and import and export-related difficulties that result from government intervention and market regulations worldwide.

We deal with domestic regulations governing import and export trade flows and investment, as well as the impact of international treaties on such regulations, including public international (treaty and customary) law, international economic integration processes, and the practical implementation of elaborate international trade agreements and arrangements.

We help clients access new export markets, resolve foreign investment restrictions, eliminate illegal foreign tariffs, remove discriminatory foreign regulations, and successfully defend against anti-dumping, anti-subsidy, safeguard and trade sanctions proceedings.

Wherever you are going, we have already been there.

We Can Help With

  • overseas investing
  • foreign investment into Australia
  • commodity trading both domestically and internationally

Our Experience

FIRB Applications: Acted in over 25 applications to FIRB for approvals in relation to overseas investments into Australian mining projects, LNG projects, gas production projects, pastoral companies, abattoirs, energy projects and infrastructure projects.

Critical Infrastructure Approvals: Acted in numerous projects in resolving issues for investment into Australia’s critical infrastructure.

We act on monthly retainer with a trading arm of Shougang Steel Company of Beijing in relation to all of its Australian commodity supply arrangements.

Acting for numerous companies in achieving success investments overseas such as development of the Las Lagos gas project in Argentina, a series of 40MW coal fired power stations in Qinghai, China, gas extraction and transportation projects in PNG, and minerals projects in PNG, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

Our People

Emma Salerno

CEO & Partner

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Litigation and dispute resolution

Litigation within the agribusiness sector refers to legal disputes and court actions that arise in connection with agricultural operations. These cases often require in-depth understanding of both the legal system and the unique regulatory landscape of agriculture. Our firm has extensive experience with the full gamut of legal disputes such as:

The key areas that we can assist with include:

  • Contractual Issues: Disagreements often arise from contracts involving supply chains, land leases, share farming, agistment arrangements, partnerships, joint ventures, and various other commercial agreements typical in the agricultural industry.
  • Land Access and Compensation: Conflicts may occur over access to land for activities like mining, gas exploration, or infrastructure development, often involving compensation claims for landowners.
  • Workplace Disputes: Litigation may stem from matters such as wrongful termination, employment agreement breaches, or occupational health and safety concerns on farms or in agribusiness operations.
  • Environmental and Biosecurity: Disputes may be triggered by non-compliance with environmental regulations, pollution events, water contamination, animal and plant health including pest and disease control measures or debates surrounding water usage and rights.
  • Intellectual Property Rights: Conflicts might arise over ownership or use of agricultural intellectual property such as plant variety rights, trademarks, and other proprietary innovations.
  • Farm Succession and Inheritance: Disputes over the division of farming assets, family trusts, or the interpretation of wills often lead to litigation in the context of generational farm transfers.

Rural property acquisitions and sales

The purchase or sale of rural land involves a broad spectrum of legal considerations that require careful attention. Key issues often include legal access to the property, the existence of easements, water rights and entitlements, land zoning regulations, potential land contamination, and the impact of native title, mining interests, and cultural heritage protections. It is also essential to assess the tax implications of the transaction, particularly in relation to Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Capital Gains Tax (CGT).

Salerno Law has extensive experience navigating the complexities of rural property matters at local, national, and international levels. We provide comprehensive support throughout the entire transaction process—from initial due diligence and review of contractual documentation to stakeholder engagement and final settlement. Our goal is to ensure that every legal aspect is addressed thoroughly and efficiently, safeguarding your interests every step of the way.

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Acquisition and leveraged finance

Opportunities in a tightening market

Borrowers and lenders face increasing pressure as leveraged finance markets tighten in the face of higher interest rates, inflation and geopolitical uncertainty. To explore new opportunities at the outset of any deal, market participants require the support of experienced, detail-oriented advisers who understand the competitive and potentially complex nature of this sector.

Expert advisers with an innovative approach

Ashurst’s global leveraged finance team advises major financial institutions, private equity houses, alternative asset managers, mezzanine financiers and corporations. Leveraged finance is a core area of expertise for Ashurst. Our team has institutional knowledge across sponsors, credit funds and banks, which means we can streamline the process for you. We have experience in the full range of leveraged.