The Trump Administration’s announcement of tariffs on Canada, Mexico and elsewhere has reignited debates over the intersections of law, policy, and trade diplomacy. Marketed as measures to protect American industries and workers, these tariffs represent a significant departure from decades of free trade principles. Here, Dr Ghori examines the legal and policy frameworks underpinning the tariffs, assessing their compliance with international trade law under WTO rules and their broader impact on trade relations. At the heart of the discussion is the tension between economic nationalism and the realities of interconnected commerce. Imposing tariffs on two of America’s largest trading partners not only strains long-standing ties but also sets a precedent that could encourage other nations to adopt similar protectionist measures. The seminar will explore the strategies America's training partners might deploy in response, from potential retaliatory actions to legal challenges, offering insight into how smaller economies navigate disputes with a superpower. Discussion also extends beyond North America to consider ripple effects on other trading partners, particularly Australia. Given the U.S.’s role as one of Australia’s key allies and trading partners, the seminar dicusses potential risks to Australian exports—especially in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. As tariffs signal a broader shift toward protectionism, Australian exporters may face increased uncertainty, raising questions about whether current free trade agreements provide sufficient safeguards and how Australia might position itself in future negotiations.By focusing on this pivotal moment in trade policy, Dr Ghori seeks to deepen understanding of the legal, political, and economic forces shaping the Trump Administration’s trade agenda and its implications, including for Australia.About Dr Umair Ghori Dr Umair Ghori (LLB (Hons) (London), LLM (UNSW), PhD (UNSW) is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law, Bond University with a background in corporate law practice. Dr Ghori teaches Contract Law, International Investment law and International Trade and Business Law. He researches in the field of international trade and investment law with a focus on exploring regulatory issues from a policy perspective.   Dr Ghori’s work has been published in well-regarded journals in Australia, Asia, and the UK. He has authored two major monographs in the field of international trade "Global Textiles and Clothing Trade: Trade Policy Perspectives" (2012) and most recently “Export Restrictions and Export Controls: From WTO to the Realm of Global Security" (2023).

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