Texas design professionals, such as architects, engineers and surveyors, now have stronger legal tools to secure payment for their work, thanks to recent amendments to Chapter 53 of the Texas Property Code. Effective for prime contracts dated on or after January 1, 2022, these changes mark a significant expansion of Texas lien law, leveling the
The American construction industry continues to be shaped by the fluctuating cost and availability of materials. Early data from 2025 indicates a steady rise in material prices, driven in part by tariffs on foreign imports—some reaching as high as 50%. These increases raise concerns about potential payment disputes across the sector. This article explores
The ongoing legal battle over President Trump’s tariffs has taken another not completely unexpected turn, as a federal appeals court has decided to keep the tariffs in effect—at least for now. This decision comes amid a debate over the scope of presidential authority in trade matters, with implications for businesses, international relations and the broader
On June 4, 2025, the Trump Administration doubled tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, the same day as its deadline for trading partners to give their “best offer” in bids to avoid import tax rates on other goods from taking effect next month. The increase applies to nearly all trading partners
The ongoing legal and political saga surrounding President Donald Trump’s tariffs has taken an expected turn following the U.S. Court of International Trade’s surprise ruling earlier this week. A federal appeals court has temporarily lifted a lower court’s block on the most sweeping of Trump’s tariffs, allowing the administration to proceed with certain duties while
Yesterday, May 28, 2025 the U.S. Court of International Trade delivered a landmark decision that could reshape the landscape of American trade policy and presidential authority. The court ruled that President Trump exceeded his legal authority in imposing the current global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This decision not only challenges
In my most recent post to the Texas Construction Law Blog, I discussed the correlation between Incoterms and tariffs. As a refresher, Incoterms, short for International Commercial Terms, are a set of standardized trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). First introduced in 1936 and updated periodically, Incoterms define the responsibilities
International trade is a complex web of regulations, agreements and logistics. For those whose businesses rely upon international trade two things are certain, (1) tariffs will impact your supply chain and operational costs and (2) which Incoterms are required by your contracts will greatly dictate the outcome of the tariffs. Understanding these each issue and
Unexpected devastating weather events such as hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, fires and other natural disasters can strike at any time, leaving construction projects in disarray. While Mother Nature is often unpredictable, we can control how we prepare for and respond to such events through the careful drafting or understanding of force majeure provisions within your construction