"US to Investigate Supply Chain Down to Individual Parts," Judge Jennifer Choi-Groves of CIT

Hearing from a U.S. Federal Judge Participating in the Seoul Global Conference

The New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), the largest bar association in the United States, is hosting an international conference (Global Conference, sponsored by Legal News) from the 16th to the 18th at the Hanyang University Institute of Technology (HIT) in Sagun-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Over 200 participants, including Korean lawyers, foreign lawyers, and legal officers from major corporations' overseas departments, are expected to attend.

[Image source=Beopryul Newspaper]

Under the theme "Cross-Border Litigation and Transactions under a New Legal Paradigm," legal experts will discuss the role of the legal profession amid rapidly evolving technological advancements and socio-economic changes.

The conference will feature speakers such as Judge Jennifer ChoeGroves of the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT), Judge Sidney H. Stein of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, and Judge Sally Kim of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, who will engage in in-depth discussions on international legal issues.

On the 15th, Legal News interviewed Judge Jennifer ChoeGroves and Judge Sidney H. Stein at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

- What should be noted when entering the U.S. market?

The U.S. government has recently been conducting much more thorough investigations into supply chains. They are meticulously checking not only finished products but also each component’s country of manufacture and whether illegal labor practices such as forced labor or child labor have occurred in those countries. Legal issues related to supply chains are expected to become increasingly important, so companies entering the U.S. market must carefully review and thoroughly prepare for these matters.

- There are opinions that tariffs or protectionism might be strengthened depending on the outcome of the U.S. presidential election in November. What is your view?

Since the tariff policies initiated under the Trump administration have continued under the Biden administration, there will likely be little difference. Personally, I think changes in tariff policies based on the election results will not be significant. Meanwhile, thousands of tariff-related lawsuits are pending at the CIT, and there are cases reviewing whether the president has the authority to raise tariffs.

- Do you have any advice for companies litigating at the CIT?

Currently, many foreign companies are litigating at the CIT regarding U.S. tariff policies. Foreign companies file lawsuits against the U.S. government as plaintiffs. Sometimes, they participate indirectly if they believe their interests align with ongoing cases. Above all, it is crucial to present clear evidence proving unfair tariff policies. Documents that can detail costs or support the claim that tariffs are unjust are important. As a judge, I can determine the validity of a company’s claims based on such evidence and documents.

- How many Korean-American federal judges are there currently in the U.S., and what roles do they play?

To my knowledge, there are six Korean-American federal judges (Article III judges appointed by the president under Article III of the U.S. Constitution). As a Korean-American, I have not personally felt discrimination, but often I have been the only Asian or woman in the court. I maintain close relationships with other Korean-American federal judges and actively participate in Asian coalition meetings.

- Lastly, any final remarks?

I am truly happy to be in Korea. This is my first visit since COVID-19, and I look forward to meeting Korean legal professionals and international lawyers. I believe the 2024 Seoul Global Conference will be a great opportunity to learn a lot.

About the U.S. Court of International Trade...

Located in Manhattan, specializing in key lawsuits related to U.S. tariffs and trade policies

The U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) is a federal court located in the heart of Manhattan, New York, specializing in lawsuits related to U.S. tariffs and international trade laws.

It is a major legal institution where not only U.S. but also foreign companies can challenge U.S. tariff impositions or trade measures they consider unfair through litigation.

The CIT plays a crucial role in resolving key legal disputes surrounding U.S. trade policies in the global trade environment, making it a central hub for companies worldwide to address legal issues related to U.S. trade laws and policies.

In 2019, the CIT ruled in a lawsuit filed by Korean steel companies claiming that the high tariffs imposed by the U.S. Department of Commerce on carbon steel pipes produced in Korea were unfair, ordering a review or reduction of the tariff rates.

By Hyun Ahn and Jinyoung Lee, Legal News reporters

※This article is based on content supplied by Law Times.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.