Tulane Home Tulane Home

U.S. China relations focus of energy and trade law forum Oct. 17-18

September 23, 2019 12:15 PM

 

 

The escalating trade war between the U.S. and China, the impact of import tariffs on international trade and how developing LNG markets will shape the energy industry globally are at the core of the Fourth Annual U.S.-China Energy and Trade Law Forum hosted by Tulane Law School's Center for Energy Law and the Tulane Energy Institute Oct. 17-18.

The escalating trade dispute is having economic repercussions around the world. Oil prices recently suffered their worst trading day in four years, falling by 8 percent, after President Trump Tweeted a promise to impose a 10 percent tariff on the remaining $300 billion in Chinese imports after negotiations faltered. Oil and natural gas prices, already sagging amid a slowing global economy, strong dollar and insufficient natural gas infrastructure, once again took a hit when China adjusted the value of its currency. 

China is the largest net importer of crude oil in the world, importing 8.4 million barrels a day in 2017. China is also the primary driver of demand growth in the coming years. China will account for more than 40 percent of global gas demand growth to 2024. U.S. oil and gas producers increasingly see Asia and China in particular, as a perfect match for the United States’ skyrocketing production. Any restrictions on market access imposed by China in retaliation to President Trump’s policies would crimp sales to the U.S. shale industry’s largest customer.

The annual Forum provides an important platform for bringing together energy professionals and policy experts from the United States and China to share ideas and build relationships that will accelerate the commercialization of advanced energy and environmental technologies and services. Each year, the industry’s top global experts from industry, government, legal and business academies gather at Tulane to discuss these pressing challenges.

Jointly organized by Center for Energy Law and the Tulane Energy Institute of the A.B. Freeman School of Business, the Forum will address pressing topics, including:

  • What is the impact of escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China on the U.S. energy industry, and Louisiana in particular?
  • What is the outlook for the newly established import tariff from an international trade law perspective?
  • How are international and Asian LNG markets developing and what is the likely impact on the U.S.?
  • How can law and lawyers shape international LNG markets in the future?
  • What is the state of play and how are trade developments affecting nuclear power in China?
  • What is the status of diplomacy between the two nations?

The event will be held at the John Giffen Weinmann Hall, 6329 Freret St., on Tulane's Uptown New Orleans campus from 10 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, and from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 17. Friday’s program will be a panel discussion, led by Tulane law and business students, on trade disputes and how to solve them.

See a full program here.

Among the speakers this year:

  • Barry Worthington, Executive Director, United States Energy Association;
  • Kim Talus, James McCulloch Chair in Energy Law and Director of Tulane Center for Energy Law;
  • Anatol Feygin, Executive Vice President, Cheniere Energy;
  • Dr. Charles Yao, CEO of YCI Methanol One, LLC.

Registration is required, and the event is available for CLE credits.

Register here.