Congress Poised to Play More Assertive Role in US-China Trade in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Election-year affordability concerns and a growing openness to challenge executive authority on tariffs and trade enforcement will drive trade policymaking this year.
• Regulating the sale of advanced AI chips to China will remain a bipartisan priority.
• Lawmakers increasingly view strategic supply chains as a national security imperative and are pursuing action to reduce dependence on China across key sectors.