UNITED Act Pushes for UK Trade Deal: Fast-Track Negotiations and Duty Tweaks on the Horizon

The Undertaking Negotiations on Investment and Trade for Economic Dynamism Act, or UNITED Act, isn't just a mouthful—it's a serious push for a new trade deal with the United Kingdom. Basically, Congress is telling the President to get moving on negotiations within 180 days of this bill becoming law, aiming to slash tariffs and other trade barriers. The goal? To boost the U.S. economy by opening up more opportunities across the pond.

Cracking Open the UK Market

This bill gives the President the green light to hammer out a comprehensive trade agreement with the UK, but this power has an expiration date: March 1, 2029. The idea is to make the U.S. more competitive by making it easier to sell American goods and services in the UK. Think fewer hurdles for everyone from farmers selling crops to tech companies selling software. For example, a small business owner in Ohio might find it easier and cheaper to export their products, while a rancher in Texas could see increased demand for their beef.

Now, the President can tweak import duties—increasing or decreasing what we charge on goods coming in—to make the deal work. But there are some guardrails. For instance, they can't slash any duty rate by more than half of what it is when the Act is enacted (Section 3). And, they can't jack up any duty rate higher than the rate at enactment. It's all about finding a balance, and Congress wants to make sure some industries don't get hammered by sudden changes.

Power, Limits, and Keeping it Real

While the bill gives the President significant negotiating power, it also builds in some checks and balances. The President has to keep Congress in the loop, consulting with them before and during negotiations, and giving a heads-up before making any major changes (Section 3). Plus, any agreement cooked up under this Act can't be tossed out or put on hold without Congress explicitly agreeing to it (Section 3). This means that your elected representatives have a say in whether this deal, and its impacts, sticks around.

There are some built in challenges. For one, hammering out a comprehensive trade agreement is no small feat. There are bound to be sticking points and industries on both sides that might feel the pinch of increased competition. Also, while the bill sets limits on duty changes, there's always the chance that some sectors could be impacted more than others. Finally, while Congressional consultation is required, how much influence Congress actually has in the nitty-gritty details remains to be seen.

The Bigger Picture

The UNITED Act fits into a broader push for the U.S. to strengthen economic ties with its allies. It's also a nod to the idea that trade can be a tool for diplomacy and building stronger relationships. The bill specifically mentions that a comprehensive trade agreement with the UK could enhance cooperation in areas like technology and make supply chains more resilient (Section 2). It's not just about dollars and cents; it's about strategic partnerships. This bill links directly to the Trade Act of 1974 and the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015, meaning it's supposed to follow established rules for negotiating and approving trade deals (Section 3).