Beth Van Duyne (R-TX)
Fair Trade Act of 2026
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Fair Trade Act of 2026," aims to impose additional duties on goods imported into the United States. It establishes specific percentages for duties based on whether the U.S. has a trade surplus or deficit with a country. A 10 percent ad valorem duty would apply to goods from countries with a trade surplus. A 15 percent ad valorem duty would apply to goods from countries with a trade deficit. These duties are meant to be in addition to any other duties already imposed by law. Additionally, the President has the authority to reduce these percentages if deemed in the national interest or security interest.
Yes
- Scored +6
Does this raise the taxes companies pay?
The bill imposes new ad valorem duties on imported goods, which functions as a tax on corporations engaging in international trade.
- Scored +4
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill grants the President discretionary authority to reduce the newly imposed duty percentages.
- Scored +2
Is this likely to create jobs?
By increasing the cost of imports, the bill may incentivize domestic production and job growth in competing sectors.
The opposite· 3 of 8
- Scored -5
Would business owners be better off under this?
Businesses that rely on imported goods or supply chains will face significantly higher costs due to these duties.
- Scored -5
Does this make trade with other countries easier?
The bill imposes significant new tariffs that likely hinder the ease of international trade and could lead to retaliatory measures.
- Scored -4
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The increased duties on imported goods are likely to raise the prices of consumer products, disproportionately affecting low-income budgets.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Presidential Flexibility for National Interests: Under Section 2(c)(1), the President has the authority to reduce the additional duty percentages if it is determined to be in the national interest or national security interest of the United States. This provides a mechanism to adjust duties for specific goods when necessary.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Increased Costs for Goods from Trade Surplus Countries: Section 2(a)(1) imposes a 10 percent ad valorem duty on goods imported from countries where the United States has a trade surplus, which increases the cost of these imports.
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Increased Costs for Goods from Trade Deficit Countries: Section 2(a)(2) imposes a higher 15 percent ad valorem duty on goods imported from countries where the United States has a trade deficit, increasing the cost of these imports.
-
Cumulative Duty Burdens: Section 2(b) states that these new duties are in addition to any other duties already imposed by law, which could lead to higher total costs for imported goods.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Businesses that rely on imported goods or supply chains will face significantly higher costs due to these duties. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The increased duties on imported goods are likely to raise the prices of consumer products, disproportionately affecting low-income budgets. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Increased costs for imported goods can reduce the purchasing power of middle-income families. Would high-income households be better off under this? — Higher prices for imported goods may marginally impact the purchasing power of high-income households. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Urban residents often rely more heavily on imported goods and may face higher costs of living as a result of these duties.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this make trade with other countries easier? — The bill imposes significant new tariffs that likely hinder the ease of international trade and could lead to retaliatory measures. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The imposition of unilateral duties can strain relationships with trading partners and allies.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this raise the taxes companies pay? — The bill imposes new ad valorem duties on imported goods, which functions as a tax on corporations engaging in international trade. Is this likely to create jobs? — By increasing the cost of imports, the bill may incentivize domestic production and job growth in competing sectors. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Increased import duties can act as a drag on economic growth by raising costs for businesses and consumers.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill grants the President discretionary authority to reduce the newly imposed duty percentages.
- 1/8/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- Introduced in House