International Trade Litigation

Dedicated to advancing our clients’ business interests, Steptoe & Johnson LLP has one of the largest and most experienced international trade practices in the United States. Many of our attorneys bring to bear experience and insight gained from senior government service with the Department of Commerce and Office of the US Trade Representative, as well as the Departments of State, Defense, Justice, and Treasury. In 2007, Chambers named Steptoe's International Trade group the International Trade Practice of the Year.

Our firm has represented both domestic and foreign companies in well over 150 antidumping and countervailing duty cases before the US Department of Commerce and the US International Trade Commission. Many of these matters involved appeals to the US Court of International Trade, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, binational panels under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), dispute settlement proceedings before the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the first ever antidumping case before the US Supreme Court.

Steptoe has played a major role in the most significant trade cases in the last decade, including steel, lumber, wheat, and uranium, as well as many additional matters. Our record demonstrates that Steptoe is consistently able to put our clients in the best competitive position in the US market in the face of antidumping and countervailing duty cases. Below are a few highlights of our firm’s international trade litigation practice that underscore our skill in this area.

Antidumping & Countervailing Duty Cases
Steptoe has represented both foreign and domestic clients in well over 150 antidumping and countervailing duty cases. Major recent cases include imports of enriched uranium from certain European countries, wheat and lumber from Canada, steel from the Netherlands, shrimp from Thailand, and ball bearings from certain European countries.

Global Safeguards—Section 201
Steptoe has been involved in numerous Section 201 cases filed with the US International Trade Commission. Most recently, on behalf of a major European steel manufacturer, our attorneys played a leading role in the Section 201 steel safeguards case, both before the US International Trade Commission and the Office of the US Trade Representative.

Unfair Import Practices—Section 337
For almost 30 years, Steptoe attorneys, representing both complainants and respondents, have litigated a wide variety of unfair import cases under Section 337, including very complex matters that include every possible act that the ITC considers unfair. Steptoe attorneys have handled over 80 Section 337 cases—litigating many cases to final decisions, and settling and licensing in many others, on terms favorable to our clients, which have involved a wide range of alleged unfair import practices

Representative Matters

Antidumping Cases - Section 731

Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts from Canada and China (2008-present)
Carbon Steel Plate from the United Kingdom (2006, Sunset Review, including CIT appeal)
Certain Lined Paper Products from China (2005-2006)
Certain Bearings from China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom (2005–2006, Sunset Review)
Certain Frozen and Canned Warmwater Shrimp from Thailand (2004-present, including Administrative Reviews and CIT appeal)
Wooden Bedroom Furniture from the People’s Republic of China (2004-2007, including Administrative Review)
Polyethylene Terephthlate Resin from India (2004-2005)
Wax and Wax Reisin Thermal Transfer Ribbons from France, Japan and South Korea (2003-present, including appeals to CIT)
Durum and Hard Red Spring Wheat from Canada (2002-2007, including appeals to CIT and NAFTA panels)
Cold Rolled Steel from India (2002)
Carbon and Alloy Steel Wire Rod from Trinidad and Tobago (2001-present, including Administrative Reviews and appeals to CIT and Federal Circuit)
Cold Rolled Carbon Steel Flat Products from the Netherlands (2001-2005, including appeals to CIT and Federal Circuit)
Softwood Lumber from Canada (2001-2007, including Administrative Reviews and CIT, Federal Circuit, DC Circuit, NAFTA, and WTO appeals)
Low Enriched Uranium from France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom (2000-present, including Administrative Reviews and appeals to CIT, Federal Circuit, and US Supreme Court)
Hot-Rolled Steel Products from Argentina, China, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Romania, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, and Ukraine (2000-2003, including appeals to CIT and Federal Circuit; 2006-2007, Sunset Review)
Carbon Steel Flat Products from The Netherlands (2000-present, including Administrative Reviews, CIT, Federal Circuit and WTO appeals, and Sunset Review)
Anhydrous Sodium Sulfate from Canada (2000)
Uranium from Russia (1999-present, including Sunset Reviews of Suspension Agreements)
Uranium from Kazakhstan (1999-2001, including appeals to CIT and Federal Circuit)
Uranium from Ukraine, and Uzbekistan (1999-2002, including Sunset Reviews of Suspension Agreements)
Chloropicrin from China (1999, Sunset Review)
Nitrile Rubber from Japan and South Korea (1999, Sunset Review)
Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip from the United Kingdom (1998)
Stainless Steel Plate from Sweden (1998, Sunset Review)
Carbon Steel Wire Rod from Trinidad and Tobago (1997)
Engineered Process Gas Turbo-Compressor Systems from Japan (1996)
Large Newspaper Printing Presses from Japan (1995-2006, including Administrative Reviews, appeals to CIT, and Changed Circumstances Review)
Oil Country Tubular Goods from Japan (1994-1995)
Pure Magnesium from Canada (1994-2005, including Administrative Reviews and appeals to CIT, Federal Circuit, and NAFTA panels)
Grain-Oriented Electrical Silicon Steel from Japan (1993-1995, including appeal to CIT)
Steel Wire Rod from Japan (1993-1994)
Steel Wire Rod from Trinidad and Tobago (1993)
Fresh Kiwifruit from New Zealand (1993-1994)
Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel Flat Products from Japan (1992-1997, including appeal to CIT)
Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Flat Products from Japan (1992-1993)
Cold-Rolled Carbon Steel Flat Products from Japan (1992-1993)
Hot-Rolled Leaded Steel Bar and Rod from the United Kingdom (1992-1993)
New Steel Rail from the United Kingdom (1992-1993)
New Steel Rail from Japan (1992)
Solid Urea from Germany (1992-1997, Changed Circumstances Review)
Polytetrafluroethylene from Italy (1991-1995, Anti-circumvention Investigation, including appeal to CIT)
Ball Bearings and Parts thereof from Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Hungary, Mexico, People’s Republic of China, Poland, Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, and Yugoslavia (1991)
Coated Groundwood Paper from Finland (1991)
Coated Groundwood Paper from the United Kingdom (1991)
Polyethylene Terephthalate Film, Sheet, and Strip from Japan (1990-1997)
Fresh and Chilled Atlantic Salmon from Norway (1990)
Phototypesetting and Image setting Machines from the Federal Republic of Germany (1990)
Antifriction Bearings (other than Tapered Roller Bearings) from the Federal Republic of Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Romania, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, and the United Kingdom (1989-present, including Administrative Reviews and over 100 appeals to CIT and Federal Circuit)
Sweaters of Manmade Fiber from the Republic of Korea (1989-1990)
Portland Hydraulic Cement and Cement Clinker from Mexico (1989-1990)
Residential Door locks from Taiwan (1989-1990)
Industrial Nitrocellulose from Brazil, Japan, the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and West Germany (1989)
Polychloroprene from France and the Federal Republic of Germany (1989)
Steel Wheels from Brazil (1988-1989)
Color Television Receivers from Korea (1988-1990)
Polytetrafluroethylene from Italy (1988-1995)
3.5" Microdisks from Japan (1988-1990)
Nitrile Rubber from Japan (1987-1989)
Fork Lift Trucks from Japan (1987)
Solid Urea from German Democratic Republic (1986-1987)
Fabric and Expanded Neoprene Laminates from Japan (1986-1987)
Solid Urea from USSR (1986-1987)
Portland Hydraulic Cement and Cement Clinker from Spain (1986)
Portland Hydraulic Cement and Cement Clinker from Korea (1986)
Photo Albums and Photo Album Filler Pages from Hong Kong and the Republic of Korea (1985-1997)
Offshore Platform Jackets from Japan (1985-1987)
Potassium Chloride from the USSR (1985)
Table Wine from The Federal Republic of Germany, France, and Italy (1985)
Table Wine from Italy and France (1984)
Outboard Motors from Japan (1982-1992)
Large Power Transformers from France (1982-1994, including appeal to CIT)
Large Power Transformers from Japan (1982-1994)
Large Power Transformers from Italy (1982-1994)
Carbon Steel Wire Rod from Trinidad and Tobago (1982-1987)
Portland Hydraulic Cement from Australia (1982)
Carbon Steel Plate from the United Kingdom (1982)
Structural Carbon Steel Shapes from the United Kingdom (1982)
Galvanized Carbon Steel Sheet from the United Kingdom (1982)
Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Sheet from the United Kingdom (1982)
Cold-Rolled Carbon Steel Sheet from the United Kingdom (1982)
Steel Pipes and Tubes from Japan (1982)
Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Plate from the United Kingdom (1982)
Cold-Rolled Sheet & Strip from France (1982)
Bicycles from Taiwan and Korea (1981)
Secondary Aluminum Alloy in Unwrought Form from the United Kingdom (1981)
Steel Wire Nails from Japan (1981)
Steel Wire Nails from Korea (1981)
Strontium Nitrate from Italy (1980)
Carbon Steel Structural Shapes from the United Kingdom (1980)
Carbon Steel Sheet (Hot-Rolled, Cold-Rolled and Galvanized) from the United Kingdom (1980)
Rail Passenger Cars and Parts from Italy and Japan (1980)
Steel Wire Nails from Korea (1979-1980)
Sodium Hydroxide from West Germany (1979-1980)
Household Electric Lamps from Hungary (1978)
Titanium Dioxide from West Germany and Belgium (1978)
Carbon Steel Structural Shapes from the United Kingdom (1977-1978)
Carbon Steel Sheet (Cold-Rolled and Galvanized) from the United Kingdom (1977-1978)
Carbon Steel Bars from the United Kingdom (1977-1978)
Carbon Steel Plate from the United Kingdom (1977-1978)
Carbon Steel Wire Rod from the United Kingdom (1977-1978)
Carbon Steel Strip from the United Kingdom (1977-1978)
Motorcycles from Japan (1977-1978)
Carbon Steel Plate from Japan (1977)
Unsupported Flexible Calendared PVC Sheet and Film from Taiwan (1977)
Electric Golf Cars from Poland (1975)
Hand-Operated Plastic Pistol Grip-Type Liquid Sprayers from Japan & Korea (1973)
Printed Vinyl Film from Argentina and Brazil (1972)
Dry-Cleaning Machinery from West Germany (1971)
Large Power Transformers from Italy, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, France and United Kingdom (1970-1972)

Countervailing Duty Cases - Section 701

Polyethylene Terephthlate Resin from India (2004-2005)
Durum and Hard Red Spring Wheat from Canada (2002-2006, including appeals to CIT and NAFTA panels)
Carbon and Alloy Steel Wire Rod from Trinidad and Tobago (2001-2002)
Certain Softwood Lumber from Canada (2001-2007, including Administrative Reviews and CIT, Federal Circuit, DC Circuit, NAFTA, and WTO appeals)
Low Enriched Uranium from France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom (2000-present, including Administrative Reviews and appeals to CIT and Federal Circuit)
Hot-Rolled Steel Products from Argentina, China, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Romania, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, and Ukraine (2000-2003, including appeals to CIT and Federal Circuit)
Steel Wire Rod from Trinidad and Tobago (1997)
Pure and Alloy Magnesium from Canada (1994-2006, including Administrative Reviews and CIT, Federal Circuit, and NAFTA appeals)
Carbon Steel Plate from the United Kingdom (1992-2007, including Sunset Review)
Hot-Rolled Lead and Bismuth Carbon Steel Bar and Rod from the United Kingdom (1992-2000, including Administrative Reviews, Anti-circumvention Inquiry, and CIT and WTO appeals)
Portable Seismographs from Canada (1992-1993)
Softwood Lumber from Canada (1991-1994, including appeals to US-Canada Binational Panels)
Live Swine from Canada (1990-1991)
Fresh and Chilled Atlantic Salmon from Norway (1990)
Fresh, Chilled, and Frozen Pork from Canada (1989-1991)
Corn Gluten Feed from the United States (1988)
Steel Wheels from Brazil (1988-1989)
Carbon Steel Wire Rod from Trinidad and Tobago (1986-1987)
Stainless Steel Plate from the United Kingdom (1986, including appeal to CIT)
Nonrubber Footwear from Brazil, India, and Spain (1985)
Table Wine from The Federal Republic of Germany, France, and Italy (1985)
Potassium Chloride from the USSR (1984)
Table Wine from Italy and France (1984)
Stainless Steel Plate from the United Kingdom (1982)
Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip from the United Kingdom (1982)
Steel Wire Nails from Korea (1982)
Carbon Steel Plate from the United Kingdom (1982)
Structured Carbon Steel Shapes from the United Kingdom (1982)
Hot-Rolled Lead and Bismuth Carbon Steel Bar from the United Kingdom (1982)
Cold-Rolled Carbon Steel Bar from the United Kingdom (1982)
Galvanized Carbon Steel Sheet from the United Kingdom (1982)
Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Sheet from the United Kingdom (1982)
Cold-Rolled Carbon Steel Sheet from the United Kingdom (1982)
Certain Steel Products from the United Kingdom (1982)
Bottled Green Olives from Spain (1974-84)

Global Safeguards - Section 201

Steel Products (2001, including appeals to CIT, Federal Circuit, and WTO)
Steel Wire Rod (1998-2001)
Wheat Gluten (2001)
Welded Carbon Quality Line Pipe (1999-2000)
Lamb Meat (1997-1998)
Canned Tuna Fish (1984)
Unwrought Copper (1984)
Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel Products, including Bars, Plates, Sheets and Strip, Certain Structural Shapes and Units, Wire, and Wire Products (1984)
Heavyweight Motorcycles, and Engines and Power Train Subassemblies Therefor (1983)
Stainless Steel and Alloy Tool Steel (1983)
Sugar (1976)

Unfair Import Practices - Section 337

Certain Endoscopic Probes for Use in Argon Plasma Coagulation Systems (2006-present)
Certain Foam Footwear (2006-present)
Certain Laminated Floor Panels (2005-2007)
Certain Devices for Determining Organ Positions and Certain Subassemblies Thereof (2005)
Certain Weather Stations and Components Thereof (2005)
Certain Point of Sale Terminals and Components Thereof (2004)
Certain Ink Markers and Packaging Thereof (2004)
Certain Digital Image Storage and Retrieval Devices (2004)
Certain Automotive Measuring Devices, Products Containing Same, and Bezels for Such Devices (2003)
Certain Bearings and Packaging Thereof (2002-2003)
Certain Compact Disc and DVD Holders (2002)
Certain Abrasive Products and Processes for Making Same (2002)
Certain Organizer Racks and Products Containing Same (2001)
Certain Personal Watercraft and Components Thereof (2001)
Certain Plasma Display Panels and Products Containing Same (2000)
Certain Enhanced DRAM Devices Containing Embedded Cache Memory Registers, Components Thereof and Products Containing Same (1998)
Certain Acesulfame Potassium and Blends and Products Containing Same (1997)
Certain Transport Vehicle Tires (1997)
Flash Memory Circuits and Products Containing Same (1996-1997)
Audible Alarm Devices for Divers (1995)
Vehicle Security Systems and Components Thereof (1994)
Static Random Access Memories, Components Thereof, and Products Containing Same (Settlement Agreement 1993)
Integrated Circuit Telecommunication Chips and Products Containing Same, Including Dialing Apparatus (1993)
Dynamic Sequential Gradient Compression Devices and Component Parts Thereof (1992)
Condensers, Parts Thereof and Products Containing Same, Including Air Conditioners for Automobiles (1992)
Certain Internal Mixing Devices and Components Thereof (1992)
Certain Self-Inflating Mattresses (1990)
Certain Electric Power Tools, Battery Cartridges, and Battery Chargers (1990)
Concealed Cabinet Hinges and Mounting Plates (1989)
Noncontact Tonometers (1988)
Picture-In-A-Picture Video Add-On Products and Components Thereof (1987)
Battery-Powered Smoke Detectors (1987)
Garment Hangers (1987)
Miniature Hacksaws (1987)
Amorphous Metal Alloys and Amorphous Metal Articles (1987)
Certain Upper Body Protector Apparatus for Use in Motosports (1986)
Multi-Level Touch Control Lighting Switches (1986)
Certain Automatic Bowling Machine Printed Circuit Boards (1985)
Convertible Rowing Exerciser (1985)
Tennis Rackets (1984)
Certain Alkaline Batteries (1984)
Trolley Wheel Assemblies (1984)
Composite Diamond Coated Textile Machinery Components (1984)
Poultry-Cut Up Machines (1984)
Minutiae-Based Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (1984)
Outboard Motors and Components Thereof (1983)
Copper-Clad Stainless Steel Cookware (1983)
Certain Caulking Guns (1983)
Heavy-Duty Staple Gun Tackers (1983)
Certain Cupric Hydroxide Formulated Fungicides and Cupric Hydroxide Preparations Used in the Formulation Thereof (1983)
Sneakers With Fabric Uppers and Rubber Soles (1983)
Certain Molded-In Sandwich Panel Inserts and Methods for their Installation (1982)
Large Video Matrix Display Systems and Components Thereof (1981)
Rotatable Photograph and Card Display Units and Components Thereof (1980)
Coat Hanger Rings (1980)
Surveying Devices (1980)
Airtight Cast-Iron Stoves (“Stoves I”) (1979)
High Voltage Circuit Interrupters and Components Thereof (1979)
Precision Resistor Chips (1979)
Thermometer Sheath Packages (1979)
Novelty Glasses (1979)
Apparatus for the Continuous Production of Copper Rod (1979)
Synthetic Gemstones (1979)
Flexible Foam Sandals (1979)
Combination Locks (1979)
Roller Units (1979)
Monumental Wood Windows (1979)
Luggage Products (1978)
Food Slicers (1978)
Skateboards and Platforms Therefor (1978)
Molded Golf Balls (1978)
Numerically Controlled Machining Center and Components Thereof (1978)
Light Shields for Sonar Apparatus (1978)
Dot Matrix Impact Printers (1978)
Steel Toy Vehicles (1978)
Display Devices for Photographs and the Like (1978)
Welded Stainless Steel Pipe and Tube (1978)
Chicory Root — Crude and Prepared (1977)
Exercising Devices (1977)
Color Television Receiving Sets (1977)
Reclosable Plastic Bags (1977)
Bismuth Molybdate Catalysts (1976)
Monolithic Catalytic Converters (1976)
Chain Door Locks (1976)
Doxycycline (1975)

Noteworthy

Select News & Events

Publications

Cases Under 28 U.S.C. § 1581(i)
Fall 2006, Georgetown Journal of International Law