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“Retooling Trade in a Fractured Global Economy: A Practice-oriented Update on Trade and Customs Law”

In 2022, trade professionals have faced multiple challenges: supply chain issues including bans on forced labor imports, continuing transformation in the automotive sector, and threats to the reliability and viability of global sourcing. And, a divided government following the midterm elections may dial up the intensity of conflict over trade policy in Washington.

These topics and more will be covered in the Seventh Trade Law Fall Update, presented by Professor Juscelino F. Colares and the Trade Law Fall Update Organizing Committee. The event will take place Friday, Nov. 18, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the Moot Courtroom (room A59) of Case Western Reserve University School of Law, located at 11075 East Blvd. Attendees may also take part virtually via Zoom.

The update will include panels on: the electric vehicle (EV) revolution and North American auto trade; “unglobalizing” trade; and an “on-the-radar” discussion on emerging issues on customs and trade law and the trade agenda for Congress in 2022-23. 

An opening panel on customs law and compliance will focus on USMCA and the North American automotive sector: How are USMCA rules affecting investment, jobs, and automotive suppliers? What changes will the rise of EVs bring for the sector, and for its supply chain, including batteries? How will the recently enacted EV tax credits affect trade and investment in EVs and the EV supply chain? How are companies dealing with supply chain management concerns relating to forced labor and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act?

The next panel, on trade, export, and security issues, will examine how counsel and companies are dealing with the stresses and strains of 2022: the war in Europe, stepped-up controls on trade with China and Russia, new restrictions on semiconductor and high-tech exports to China, decoupling from China and Russia, and what this means for American companies as the globe heads into recession. Panelists will discuss developments in trade sanctions and export controls, and policy and regulatory changes around the corner in 2022-23.

The morning CLE credit-granting session will conclude with a one-on-one discussion about the role of mediation in customs and trade litigation before the U.S. Court of International Trade. Professor Colares will offer brief closing remarks.

Register for the event. For questions, please contact cwrulawevents@case.edu