Varying approaches to structuring executive powers with respect to unilateral trade measures within various legal systems predominantly determine the status and development of international trade policies. By analyzing the related frameworks of the European Union, Switzerland, the United States and Canada, this paper not only elucidates procedural and institutional differences, but also examines to what extent the respective major trading players adhere to the fundamental doctrine of separation of powers. An overall analysis reveals a significant misbalance on part of the United States which proves to be a relevant factor explaining some of the current turbulences of the world trading system.