New 50 percent tariff on Canadian goods ‘unprecedented, erratic, even desperate,’ international trade law scholar says

LAWRENCE — President Donald Trump announced July 20 that the United States would impose 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian goods in response to what he called “discriminatory” action against the United States in trade practices. Raj Bhala, University Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Kansas and an international trade law expert, is available to talk with media about the move.

Bhala, a dual citizen of the United States and Canada, can discuss the newest round of tariffs, the ongoing trade war between the two nations, how the tariffs relate to the recent Supreme Court ruling that Trump’s tariffs were illegal, free trade and related topics.

"The 50% tariff is taken under the never before used Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. But the legal case for doing so appears both weak and ironic. Even if the move is lawful, it is neither wise nor likely to be effective,” Bhala said. “Arguably, the American side looks erratic and even desperate, whereas the Canadian side is showing preparedness and calmness."

The tariffs, scheduled to take effect Aug. 19, apply to a range of goods. Bhala, who has worked on trade issues in the U.S. and Canada as well as dozens of other nations, can comment on which goods and sectors will be affected as well as a host of other issues. He has written 13 books and more than 100 journal articles on international law, including a series on the second Trump administration’s trade policy.

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