Bill · H.R. 6991· House(119-HR-6991)
Fair Trade Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 1/8/2026
- Last activity
- 1/8/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- Sponsored by
- Beth Van Duyne
- Cosponsors
- None
- 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
Does this raise the taxes companies pay?+6
The bill imposes new ad valorem duties on imported goods, which functions as a tax on corporations engaging in international trade.
Does this give the federal government more power?+4
The bill grants the President discretionary authority to reduce the newly imposed duty percentages.
Is this likely to create jobs?+2
By increasing the cost of imports, the bill may incentivize domestic production and job growth in competing sectors.
The opposite· 3 of 8
Would business owners be better off under this?-5
Businesses that rely on imported goods or supply chains will face significantly higher costs due to these duties.
Does this make trade with other countries easier?-5
The bill imposes significant new tariffs that likely hinder the ease of international trade and could lead to retaliatory measures.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?-4
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
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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.
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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. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners-5Good For Low Income Households-4Good For Middle Class Households-3Good For High Income Households-2Good For Urban Residents-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Trade-5Improves International Alliances-4
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Corporate Taxes+6Increases Job Creation+2Improves Economic Growth-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+4
- 1/8/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- Introduced in House