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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
Simon Lester 20 Jan 2025 8 min read

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
Simon Lester 19 Jan 2025 5 min read

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,
Simon Lester 17 Jan 2025 4 min read

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
Simon Lester 17 Jan 2025 2 min read

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
Simon Lester 16 Jan 2025 2 min read

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
Simon Lester 13 Jan 2025 7 min read

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
Simon Lester 13 Jan 2025 1 min read

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
Simon Lester 09 Jan 2025 1 min read

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
Simon Lester 05 Jan 2025 5 min read

Is NAFTA a Good Explanation for Workers Leaving the Democratic Party? The Case of Ohio

The Washington Post recently published an op-ed about Sherrod Brown, a long-time Democratic Senator (and previously a Representative) from Ohio who lost his seat in the November election, highlighting his view that the passage of NAFTA led to "workers" leaving the Democratic party: ... Brown says the political shift
Simon Lester 29 Dec 2024 11 min read

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International Economic Law and Policy Blog

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Featured

The Section 301 Forced Labor Import Ban Report

On June 2, 2026, USTR released its report on its Section 301 investigation into acts, policies, and practices of various economies related to the failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor.
04 Jun 2026 11 min read

What To Expect from the USMCA Review?

The USMCA review is almost upon us. How exactly things will proceed is a bit unclear, as we've never done this sort of thing before, but July 1 is the six year anniversary of the USMCA's entry into force.
03 Jun 2026 15 min read

China in the World Trading System: A Response to Chad, and Some Comments on Froman-Greer

I'm going to use this post to (1) respond to Chad and (2) comment on an exchange between current U.S. Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer and former U.S. Trade Rep. Mike Froman at a recent CFR event.
01 Jun 2026 7 min read

My Response To Simon on China in the World Trading System

Here are two quick reactions to the super important question of what explains why countries did not use WTO dispute settlement to push China to change.
28 May 2026 2 min read

My Questions for Chad on China in the World Trading System

At the Peterson Institute event launching the "How To Win a Trade War" book, Chad said some things about trade relations with China that I found interesting.
26 May 2026 4 min read

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