International Economic Law and Policy Blog

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Simon Lester

Non-Confidential Summaries in Anti-Dumping Investigations

A finding by the EC - Fasteners panel (DS397), which may only be of much interest to you trade remedy lawyers (and legal assistants) out there, brings back long ago memories of preparing exhibits in anti-dumping investigations. AD Agreement Article 6.5.1 states: The authorities shall require interested parties

The Origin of the Word "Tariff"

Fun with Google Books: This is from "The protective system considered in connection with the present tariff," by someone named Edmund Burke (this one, I'm pretty sure, but certainly not that one), published in the mid-1800s: But have digressed from my purpose which was to give

The Korean Auto Market, FTAs, and U.S. vs. European vs. Japanese Imports

Here's a little more on the issue of Korean car regulation and standards for imported cars: The Korean government is expected to apply tougher standards on cars manufactured in Europe than those made in the US in terms of fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. Trade Minister Kim

Don Boudreaux: "The only reason for exporting is to import"

From Don Boudreaux: ... U.S. exports ... unloaded on foreign docks generate money income for American producers. But what’s the value to Americans of receiving this money? Ultimately, that value is what this money can purchase abroad – the amount of goods, services, and assets that Americans are able to buy

Dan Ikenson on the Rule of Law vs. a Policy of Free Trade

Cato's Dan Ikenson, commenting on yesterday's WTO Tyres panel decision, points out that international trade law still allows a good deal of protectionism: Yesterday’s WTO decision was arguably a victory for the rule of law in international trade—but also a reminder that politicians write

Will the WTO Tyres Decision Help Free Trade?

On its face, today's panel report finding that U.S. tariffs on Chinese tires do not violate WTO rules could be seen as a victory for protectionism. But looking at the larger picture, will allowing these tariffs help to promote free trade? This is from the FT: The

"Outsourcing" and "Globalization" in Today's U.S - Tyre's Report

This is from the the Panel's "preliminary observations" in today's U.S. - Tyres WTO panel report: 7.6 ... the investigation that led to the imposition of a safeguard measure in this case against the importation of tyres from China was initiated, unusually, as

Investor-State in Australian Trade Agreements

Some in Australia are still skeptical of investor-state dispute settlement. This is from Chapter 14 of today's Productivity Commission report on bilateral and regional trade agreements: It is the Commission’s assessment that although some of the risks and problems associated with ISDS can be ameliorated through the

Less Favorable Treatment in the Clove Cigarettes Case

There are some good non-discrimination cases going on right now in WTO dispute settlement (including the Philippines - Spirits case mentioned here). For DSC subscribers, here is a run-down we did of the U.S. position on GATT Article III:4 less favorable treatment issues in the U.S. -

Investor-State in the CETA

Including investor-state in the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the EU would, in my view, be a big deal in a number of ways (including the number of investments covered): A controversial NAFTA provision that allows corporations to seek compensation from governments is likely to be included