New Bill Puts Import Tariffs on a 60-Day Clock for Congressional Approval

The Trade Review Act of 2025 proposes a significant shift in how import duties are handled, giving Congress a direct and time-sensitive role. Under this bill, if the President imposes or increases a duty on imported goods, they must inform Congress within 48 hours. Crucially, that duty automatically expires after 60 days unless Congress passes a specific "joint resolution of approval" to keep it in place.

Congress Gets the Timer and the Veto

This legislation, outlined in the new Section 155 it adds to the Trade Act of 1974, essentially puts new tariffs on a congressional timer. It’s not just about approval; Congress can also proactively kill a new duty by passing a "joint resolution of disapproval." This fundamentally changes the dynamic, requiring active legislative buy-in within two months for a presidential tariff action to have lasting effect. Think of it like a probationary period for new import taxes, where Congress holds the final decision.

Ripple Effects: Business Plans and Political Plays

What does this mean in practice? For businesses that rely on imports – whether it's a local store stocking shelves or a manufacturer sourcing parts – this introduces a new layer of uncertainty. A tariff announced today might vanish in two months, making long-term pricing and supply chain planning trickier during that 60-day window. While the goal is increased oversight, this mandatory review period could slow down responses to trade issues and potentially tie tariff decisions more closely to ongoing political negotiations within Congress rather than purely economic strategy.

The Fine Print: What's In and What's Out

It's important to note what isn't covered. The bill explicitly excludes antidumping and countervailing duties – specific types of tariffs aimed at addressing unfairly priced or subsidized imports under Title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930. These will continue under existing rules, without the new 60-day review requirement. The bill also mentions "expedited procedures" for handling these approval or disapproval resolutions in Congress, referencing existing rules (subsections (b) through (f) of section 152 of the Trade Act) designed to ensure timely consideration within the 60-day timeframe.