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Simon Lester

Would the U.S. Join a Version of the MPIA?

I have a new piece for the Japan Economic Foundation that asks "Would the United States Join the MPIA?" This is from the conclusion: The Appellate Body appointments crisis has dragged on for years now. The MPIA represents a solution for any WTO member that wants to ensure

Trump's Trade Policy, Day 1: Just a Memo

There was a great deal of anticipation about what tariffs Trump might impose on his first day in office, but ultimately we just got a memo. (In response to a question from a reporter, Trump did say "We're thinking in terms of 25 percent [tariffs] on Mexico

The Optimal Tariff Argument at the Scott Bessent Hearing

At his confirmation hearing last week, Treasury Secretary-nominee Scott Bessent mentioned "optimal tariff theory," which is something that always triggers me (although as I'll say later, I'm not sure he meant what he seemed to): Senator Ron Wyden: On the tariffs, Donald Trump, with

USTR's Model Negotiating Texts: Non-Market Practices and More

Last week, USTR released what it referred to as "Model Negotiating Texts" on a number of issues: * Competition Model Text * Inclusive Economy Chapter Model Text * Non-Market Policies and Practices (NMPPs) Model Text * Public Enterprise Model Text * Standards Model Text There's a lot to take in here,

The Latest on Appeal/Review in WTO DS Reform

I've been posting about official WTO documents related to appeal/review in dispute settlement reform. The latest one, from the heads of delegation meeting on November 21, is now available. There were no exciting new revelations, but just for the sake of completeness, I'm providing excerpts

Unfinished Business: Bringing China Into the Club of Market-Oriented Countries

Given where U.S. trade policy is at the moment, this doesn't seem like the best time for my latest piece, which is called "Unfinished Business: Bringing China Into the Club of Market-Oriented Countries." But sometimes all you can do is lay the groundwork for the

Katherine Tai on "The Real Purpose of Trade Policy"

As we close in on the end of the Biden administration, I may have fewer opportunities to react to Katherine Tai's thoughts on trade policy. My Katherine Tai tag now has over 60 entries. I've enjoyed writing them, and I hope she has enjoyed -- or

Call for Papers: Journal of World Investment & Trade

This is a call for papers from early career scholars in international trade and investment law from the Journal of World Investment & Trade: Submit your abstract, and if selected, you will be invited to participate in an exclusive workshop where you will receive invaluable advice and guidance from leading

Call for Papers: Shaping Appropriate ADR in International Law

The International Law Association is hosting a conference on Shaping Appropriate ADR in International Law, on 7 April 2025 in Florence, Italy. The call for papers is here. Here is the conference theme: As 2025 begins, there is no shortage of international law disputes, in areas ranging from geopolitics to

Jake Sullivan's International Economics Legacy

Never having worked in government at a high level (I was a summer intern once a long time ago), I am only vaguely familiar with the idea of bolstering your "legacy" at the end of your time in office. But people who seem to know what they are