Hou Xiaohua

Introduction

Hou Xiaohua, a partner at Commerce & Finance Law Offices in Beijing, is a distinguished lawyer specialising in US anti-dumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD) proceedings. His expertise lies in guiding Chinese enterprises through these complex trade regulations, a skill honed through years of dedicated practice.

After obtaining his master’s degree from Tsinghua University in 2007, Hou embarked on a legal career that has spanned over a decade. He began at Garvey Schubert Barer, focusing on Chinese law counsel. His tenure there, from 2007 to 2010, marked the start of a career distinguished by excellence in international trade law.

Since 2021, Hou has been a pivotal member of Commerce & Finance. Here, he leads the international trade team, specialising in representing Chinese industries in US AD/CVD investigations. His role involves preparing comprehensive responses to these investigations and advising on export strategies. He has successfully represented numerous industries, including those involving solar cells, engines, lawn mowers, snow throwers, steel products, and refrigerants.

Hou’s legal prowess is evident in his significant victories, particularly in obtaining minimal or zero dumping margins for his clients. These include notable cases involving metal lockers, refrigerants, non-refillable cylinders, and steel staples. His success extends beyond individual cases to influencing broader trade strategies and policies.

Hou is an active contributor to the academic side of law. He co-authored the book How Lawyers Develop and serves as a lecturer at Jilin University School of Law, where he teaches a course on “International Trade Frontiers and Practices”. This role reflects his commitment to shaping the next generation of legal professionals.

His contributions and expertise have been recognised through various accolades. Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500 and Legalband have recommended him for his work on international trade/the WTO. Hou was honoured with the One Belt One Road Dispute Resolution Legal Service Award and is a member of the Foreign-Related Lawyer Talent Pool of the Beijing Lawyers Association