| International trade law is very clear: national security concerns take precedent over any commitments in trade agreements. In response to the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington on September 11, 2001, the United States and other countries have been putting in place new anti-terrorist measures, many of which will act to inhibit international trade. As with any measure that inhibits international trade, these new measures will provide an economic benefit to domestic vested interests in importing countries. Guarding against the possibility of terrorist acts is by nature a speculative activity, and it is difficult to refute the need for the anti-terrorist measures put in place by governments. As a result, trading partners may be frustrated by what... |
