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Peter Harrell
Adjunct Senior Fellow, Center for a New American Security; Attorney, Peter Harrell LLC
Professional Background
Peter Harrell is a distinguished attorney and highly regarded expert in the fields of law, politics, and international affairs. Leveraging his extensive background in legal education and government service, he has built a multifaceted career that combines private practice with significant roles in public policy and national security. He currently operates as the founder and principal attorney at Peter Harrell LLC, where he brings his wealth of experience and expertise to serve clients across various sectors.
Before starting his own practice, Peter made substantial contributions to national security and foreign policy while serving in various capacities at the U.S. Department of State. His role as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions allowed him to shape critical strategies in addressing global threats. This experience was complemented by his tenure on the Policy Planning Staff, where he played a pivotal role in developing long-term strategic concepts for U.S. foreign policy.
In addition to his work in government, Peter is known for his academic contributions and thought leadership in the realm of international relations. As an Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), he engaged with emerging issues surrounding national security and policy analysis, further solidifying his status as a thought leader.
Peter Harrell's journey in the legal and political domains is underscored by his involvement in high-stakes campaigns, including significant contributions to the Barack Obama Presidential Campaign. His early career included a role as a reporter at Congressional Quarterly, where he honed his journalistic skills and gained a deep understanding of the legislative process.
Education and Achievements
Peter Harrell’s academic background is marked by prestigious institutions and rigorous training. He earned his Doctor of Law (JD) degree from Yale Law School, one of the leading law schools in the world, renowned for its contributions to legal education and scholarship. This comprehensive education provided him with a strong foundation in legal principles and an understanding of complex regulatory frameworks that govern international relations.
Before law school, Peter attended Princeton University, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Government. This formative education focused on the essential elements of political theory and the functional operations of government, which have been instrumental in shaping his career path.
Throughout his distinguished career, Peter has achieved numerous milestones that highlight his expertise and commitment. His comprehensive understanding of international finance and sanctions has made him a sought-after advisor and consultant, particularly in the private sector where businesses seek to navigate complex regulatory environments.
Achievements
- Expert in Counter Threat Finance: As a former Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of State, Peter developed policies that addressed pressing challenges related to international sanctions and financial regulations, positioning him at the forefront of national security.
- Thought Leadership: His affiliation with CNAS allowed him to engage with thought leaders and contribute to insightful analyses and discussions on pressing national security issues, reflecting his commitment to advancing the field of international relations.
- Political Engagement: Peter’s involvement in political campaigns showcases his dedication to civic engagement and public service, as he worked tirelessly to support democratic processes and principles.
- Journalistic Experience: His background as a reporter at Congressional Quarterly lends an essential perspective to his legal practice, informing his understanding of the media landscape and its role in policy advocacy.
Peter Harrell continues to impact the fields of law and international policy positively, offering his guidance to clients as they navigate the complexities of legal frameworks and government regulations.
Highlights
The worst-case outcome for the timber/lumber tariffs is that they hike construction & furniture costs but don't actually save US sawmills. Mill closures are a real thing, esp. here in GA. But they may be driven more by the collapse in cardboard and paper demand than by imports.
Breaking down the bonanza of Section 232 news over the last 24 hours:
- This evening (Sept. 25), Trump previewed on social media actions he will take pursuant to the 232 investigations into pharmaceuticals, heavy trucks, and timber/lumber. We do not yet have regulatory documents, but the social media posts suggest:
1a. 100% tariff starting Oct. 1 on branded/on-patent drugs. Trump's framework agreements with the EU and Japan caps the tariff rate on imports of branded EU and Japanese drugs (which is a lot of US branded drug imports!) at 15%, limiting this action's practical impact. Trump also announced that he will exempt imports by companies with US manufacturing facilities "under construction." Exemption details will be key, and this exemption might have precedential value for the forthcoming semiconductor 232.
1b. Trump announced a 50% tariff starting Oct. 1 on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, "and associated products." 30% tariffs on upholstered furniture. Given the timeline, I assume this is a result of the timber/lumber 232, and not, as Trump suggested a couple of months ago, that there is a separate furniture 232. I bet upholstered furniture will be covered as a "derivative," but again, no actual details. If this is indeed the conclusion of the timber/lumber 232, I will be interested to see what, if any, construction timber/lumber products are covered, given construction price sensitivities.
Interested in how furniture tariffs will intersect with trade deals. The EU 15% rate, for example, is supposed to apply to EU products subject to the 232 on "lumber." Will EU furniture will get the 15% rate? (Updates will be forthcoming).
1c. 25% tariff on heavy trucks, which is a logical conclusion for the trucks 232, given how the autos 232 has played out. Heavy trucks do not appear to be covered by the 15% "autos" rate in Trump's trade deal frameworks.
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On Sept. 24, Commerce published notices announcing that it had launched 232s into "robotics and industrial machinery," and into PPE and medical equipment, including medical devices.
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The robotics/industrial machinery 232 was launched Sept. 2. Comments due mid-Oct. The notice states that the 232 covers robots, programmable computer controlled systems, and a wide range of industrial machinery (CNC machining centers; turning and milling machines; grinding and deburring equipment; industrial stamping and pressing machines; automatic tool changers; jigs and fixtures, and machine tools for cutting, welding, and handling work pieces, among others). This will have significant implications of US-China trade, as well as Japan, Europe, Korea, and other major trade partners.
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The 232 on PPE and medical equipment was also initiated Sept. 2. Comments due mid-Oct. This 232 will also cover medical equipment like syringes and surgical equipment, and devices, defined broadly to cover everything from pacemakers to hearing aids to MRIs and x-ray machines. I suspect the medical industry will be all over this one....
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
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Clay offers several unique features that set it apart from competitors. Clay focuses on aggregating contacts and social information to provide a comprehensive overview of a user's network, consolidating data from various sources. Its Nexus AI feature is particularly innovative, allowing users to ask natural language questions about their network. Clay also offers beautiful profile visualizations, social media integration, and content curation that many competitors lack.
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