International Economic Law and Policy Blog

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Simon Lester

Trade and Climate Change Advice from Jim Bacchus

In Forbes. First, there's this: Those who assume that WTO rulings will be "anti-environment" have evidently not read previous rulings, or not realized their positive implications for global environmental protection. I think that's right. It is no longer a GATT Tuna/Dolphin world (and

Mattoo and Subramanian Propose a "Crisis Round"

From the WSJ: Our suggestion is to launch a Crisis Round of trade talks at the G-20 London summit meeting next month. This round would aim to hold the line on protectionism and prevent the deterioration of current levels of global trade openness. For this round to have timely effect,

Trade in Everything: [See Below]

I didn't want to put the word "condom" in the post title because of all the undesirable search traffic (and resulting spam comments) it might bring in, but apparently USAID will be buying cheaper, foreign condoms: At a time when the federal government is spending billions

The Latest from the Grand River Case

I've been blogging a bit about NAFTA Chapter 11 non-discrimination standards (see here and here) by following the parties' submissions in the Grand River Enterprises case. The claimants' reply memorial is now available here. There's not too much for me to discuss in this

Library of Congress Job: Research Manager-International Trade and Finance

This looks like it could be an interesting job for someone: The Congressional Research Service (CRS) seeks a Research Manager for the International Trade and Finance Section within the Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division. CRS provides confidential, nonpartisan, and authoritative legislative research analysis and information service to the U.

Call for Papers: Sovereign Wealth Funds

From the The National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Asian Society of International Law (AsianSIL): The National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Asian Society of International Law (AsianSIL) are pleased to invite applications to attend the NUS Law School-AsianSIL Conference on Sovereign Wealth Funds: Governance and Regulation. This

Trade in Everything: Shamrocks

Via Marginal Revolution, I have a belated St. Patrick's Day edition of trade in everything: The shamrock (three-leaf clover) is one of Ireland's most recognizable symbols. But demand for "Irish" shamrocks is now so great that the small island nation must import clover seeds

Personal Protectionism

From a recent Economist article: REGGIE CHARLES, the chief executive of High Society Freeride, a maker of skis and snowboards based in Colorado, is keen to wrap his firm’s products in the Stars and Stripes. He is convinced that American customers will be more willing to buy the company’

Tuna Panel Establishment Blocked

From the U.S. statement at today's DSB meeting: • Mr. Chairman, the United States is disappointed that Mexico has chosen to move forward with a request for panel establishment. • The United States considers its dolphin-safe labeling regime central to the protection of the dolphin population in the Eastern

Joe Biden Swears in Ron Kirk

I'm not sure this is the analogy I would have gone with: Ron is going to have the responsibility of working toward opening markets throughout the world to create new opportunities and higher living standards for our families, our farmers, our manufacturers, our workers, our consumers, our businesses.