Some thoughts on anti‐dumping laws: utilitarianism, human rights and the case for repeal

Anti‐dumping laws have been around for decades. They have increased in importance in recent years and will become even more important in the future as a result of the Uruguay Round and the creation of the World Trade Organization. Yet anti‐dumping laws are inherently protectionist because they protect domestic producers at the expense of consumers. They have a chilling effect on price competition and cause the prices on a wide range of products to be higher than would otherwise be the case. Examines the anti‐dumping laws in theory and practice, from both a utilitarian and human rights context, and concludes that these laws cannot be justified on any reasonable grounds. Calls for their repeal, the sooner the better.