International trade law expert can comment on U.S. move to increase duty on Chinese steel by 500 percent

LAWRENCE — The U.S. Commerce Department announced Wednesday it would raise import duties on Chinese steel by more than five times, a move said to combat the alleged selling of products below market prices. The 522 percent tax increase applies to Chinese-made cold-rolled flat steel, commonly used in car manufacturing, shipping containers and construction.

Raj Bhala, associate dean for international & comparative law and Rice Distinguished Professor at the University Kansas School of Law, is available to speak with media about the move, its effect on trade between the two nations, political reasons for and reaction to the announcement. Bhala is a globally acclaimed expert in international trade law.

“This anti-dumping, anti-subsidies action against Chinese steel is a highly significant trade remedy action, with global implications for the world steel market, and for China’s status as a non-market economy, set amidst domestic American political controversies about trade.”

American and European steel producers have claimed China is distorting the global market by dumping its excess supply at below-market prices. The Commerce Department also implemented a much smaller — 71 percent — increase on Japanese-made cold-rolled steel. American steel makers have also accused China’s government of unfairly subsidizing its steel exports.

Bhala is internationally known for his scholarship in international trade law and Islamic law. He is the author of a forthcoming book on the Trans Pacific Partnership and wrote “Understanding Islamic Law (Shari’a),” published by Carolina Academic Press. His textbook, “International Trade Law: An Interdisciplinary, Non-Western Textbook,” is used around the world. He also is the author of the acclaimed two-volume treatise, “Modern GATT Law.”

Bhala practiced international banking law at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York before entering academia and currently serves as a legal consultant to Cheniere Energy and other prominent organizations and firms. He has worked in more than 25 countries, including China, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and throughout India.

To schedule an interview, contact Mike Krings at 785-864-8860 or mkrings@ku.edu.