Case Insights
Real arbitration case studies from CIETAC involving foreign businesses in China
The Broadcasting equipment case: A CIETAC Arbitration Case Study
The Broadcasting equipment case: A CIETAC Arbitration Case Study
Defects were found in imported broadcasting equipment from Canada — but the buyer waited too long to complain. A case on late defect notice and whether silence can waive your rights under the CISG.
April 14, 2026The Chilling Press Case: Defective Machinery and the Limits of Avoidance
The Chilling Press Case: Defective Machinery and the Limits of Avoidance
The machinery arrived but never worked properly. The buyer wanted out — but had they inspected it in time? A case on defective machinery, inspection timelines, and the limits of contract avoidance.
April 10, 2026The Valve Case: When a German Seller Fails to Deliver Industrial Equipment
The Valve Case: When a German Seller Fails to Deliver Industrial Equipment
A German seller failed to deliver industrial valves to a Chinese buyer. The buyer declared fundamental breach and walked away. A case on non-delivery of industrial equipment and damages under the CISG.
April 6, 2026The Alumina Case: Cover Transactions and Calculating Lost Profits
The Alumina Case: Cover Transactions and Calculating Lost Profits
When a Hong Kong seller failed to deliver alumina, the Chinese buyer went to the market and bought replacement goods at a higher price. Can you recover that difference? A case on cover transactions and lost profits.
April 2, 2026The Cold-Rolled Steel Coils Case: $1.38M Non-Delivery and Contract Avoidance
The Cold-Rolled Steel Coils Case: $1.38M Non-Delivery and Contract Avoidance
A German seller took the order and opened the letter of credit — then never shipped. The buyer declared avoidance and claimed $1.38M in damages. A case on non-delivery and contract avoidance under the CISG.
March 30, 2026The Art Paper Case: Letters of Credit, Force Majeure, and Risk of Loss
The Art Paper Case: Letters of Credit, Force Majeure, and Risk of Loss
When a Korean seller failed to deliver art paper, the Chinese buyer walked away from the contract and recovered damages in full. A case on fundamental breach and force majeure under international sales law.
March 23, 2026The Weaving Machines Case: Fundamental Breach and Nachfrist Procedures
The Weaving Machines Case: Fundamental Breach and Nachfrist Procedures
A Swiss seller missed delivery deadlines on industrial weaving machines. How much time must a buyer give before declaring the contract avoided? A case on Nachfrist procedures and fundamental breach.
March 19, 2026The Down Jacket and Winter Coat Case: Non-Conforming Goods and Buyer Remedies
The Down Jacket and Winter Coat Case: Non-Conforming Goods and Buyer Remedies
The jackets arrived — but they were not what was ordered. Instead of avoiding the contract, the buyer claimed a price reduction. A case on non-conforming goods and buyer remedies under international sales law.
March 16, 2026The Air Purifier Case: When the Seller Tries to Cure Defective Goods
The Air Purifier Case: When the Seller Tries to Cure Defective Goods
The seller knew the goods were defective and tried to fix them. Can a seller force a buyer to accept repairs? A case on the right to cure and the limits of avoidance under international sales law.
March 12, 2026The High Tensile Steel Bar Case: CIETAC on Fundamental Breach and Damages
The High Tensile Steel Bar Case: CIETAC on Fundamental Breach and Damages
Steel bars were delivered short. The buyer declared fundamental breach and claimed damages. How tribunals calculate losses when a seller fails to perform in full.
March 10, 2026