International Trade Regulation (JPJ2037) (ECO1320H)
Description
This seminar will explore the regulatory framework and rules governing international trading relations, and how they have been evolving – or fracturing – due to protectionist trade policy trends in the United States, Canada and elsewhere, China’s membership in the WTO, international conflicts, and the COVID pandemic.
Topics that will be examined against this background include: the GATT/WTO multilateral trade law regime; the principles of non-discrimination (most favoured nation and national treatment); preferential trade agreements; rules on the imposition of tariffs and quantitative restrictions on trade in goods; special & differential treatment for developing countries; dispute settlement; disciplines on injurious trade (anti-dumping, anti-subsidy and safeguard measures); the regulation of cross-border trade in services and investment; national security, economic sanctions and export controls; and trade and health and safety, the environment, labour and human rights.
Evaluation
Students will be evaluated based on their contribution to class discussion (10%); a team-based in-class exercise and an accompanying memo of up to 1250 words (30%); and a 2-hour, limited open-book exam (60%) covering key topics discussed in class. The in-class exercise and memo will involve a hypothetical trade law problem. Students will be grouped into teams to address the issues presented, playing the role of advisors to a state government or a party in a state-to-state dispute, and applying the law and principles discussed in the readings and in class to support their positions.
At a Glance
- Academic Year:2026-2027
- Course Session:Fall Session
- Credits:3
- Hours:2
- Course Note:
This course satisfies either the Perspective or the International/Comparative/Transnational course requirement.
- Grad Concentration:Business Law
Enrollment
- Maximum Enrollment:24
- JD Students:20
LLM/SJD/MSL/SJD U: 3
Economics or Political Science graduate student: 1