King & Spalding specializes in representing large domestic companies across the chemical, technology, steel, aluminum, and semiconductor industries, assisting them with matters concerning trade remedies, trade compliance, and trade policy. The Washington DC team advises on all aspects of US and global trade policy, particularly the negotiation of trade agreements between the US and other countries. Chair of international trade Stephen Orava is highly regarded for trade remedies work in the United States and other international jurisdictions, with expertise in trade-related aspects of climate change and disputes and settlements before the World Trade Organization. Stephen Vaughn is noted as a US trade remedy litigator, with a focus on the steel industry. Michael Taylor leads the customs practice and is a go-to for manufacturers across a range of industries, from pharmaceuticals to energy. Despite Jamieson Greer departing the firm in February 2025 to serve as the United States Trade Representative, the team has increased its offering with a number of new hires. Betre Gizaw rejoined the team in January 2026, bringing capabilities in sanction and export control issues, while Ryan Majerus joined in January 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Second to none knowledge of trade matters with extraordinary responsiveness and engagement.’
‘Steve Orava is a trusted advisor and my go-to for all trade-related matters.’
‘King & Spalding are unique not only to provide legal guidance, but true and value-add strategy guidance. They operate as a part of the business, working creatively and constructively to ensure that the strategy is tailored to business needs. Their intellectual expertise is fantastic.’
‘Steve Orava is the best. He is responsive, personable, constructive and creative. His depth of knowledge is unparalleled and I particularly value the times we can brainstorm around issues, and strategy.’
Key clients
- Ad Hoc Coalition of American Super Absorbent Polymer Producers (coalition of BASF Corp., Evonik Superabsorber LLC, and Nippon Shokubai America Industries)
- Ad Hoc MDI Fair Trade Coalition (BASF, Dow)
- BASF
- Briggs & Stratton LLC
- Chevron
- Cleveland Cliffs
- Coalition for Acetone Fair Trade, including AdvanSix, Altivia, and Olin Corporation
- Coalition of Domestic Folder Manufacturers
- Coalition for Sustainable Cement and Manufacturing and Environment (California cement industry)
- Committee for Fair Trade in Ammonium Sulfate, including AdvanSix, and PCI Nitrogen (a subsidiary of Interoceanic Corporation)
- Cornerstone Chemical Company
- Corn Refiners Association
Work highlights
Advising companies and industries in the new tariff developments under the Trump Administration, including application of IEEPA-based, broad-based “reciprocal” tariffs, and related to comments on pending and new investigations under Section 301 and Section 232.
Represented U.S. and EU producers of epoxy resins in the implementation of a trans-Atlantic trade remedy strategy involving simultaneous trade remedy actions targeting imports of epoxy resins.
Assisting with the development and implementation of a global strategy for Tronox Holding PLC and its affiliates in response to dumped and subsidized Chinese exports of titanium dioxide.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Stephen Orava
Other key lawyers
Stephen Vaughn; Michael Taylor; Betre Gizaw; Ryan Majerus