Geopolitical Disruptions in Commodities Trading: Force Majeure, Hardship and Contractual Risk Allocation

Created as a dedicated forum for dialogue between industry stakeholders and arbitration practitioners, the new ASA Mining & Commodities Group aims to expand industry expertise, promote best practices and strengthen the network of specialists in Switzerland and beyond. Under the leadership of Diana Akikol and Florian Mohs, the Group will meet regularly to discuss procedural and substantive issues of particular relevance to disputes arising in the mining and commodities sectors.

To mark its launch, the Group will host a discussion on how geopolitical developments continue to reshape commodities trading and dispute resolution.

The session will open with a presentation by Prof. Dr. iur. Ulrich Schroeter (University of Basel) on economic sanctions and commodities transactions under Swiss law, followed by a panel discussion featuring:

• Arianna Righi (ADM)
• Joann Kahn (Naretra)
• Pascal Hachem (Bär & Karrer)
• Augustin Barrier (LALIVE)

Together, the speakers will explore force majeure, hardship, sanctions-related disruptions and contractual strategies for managing risk in an increasingly unpredictable global environment.

The discussion will be followed by an apéritif and networking opportunity.