The DETER Act of 2024 aims to deter Chinese military aggression against Taiwan by establishing automatic economic consequences for China. Under the bill, the President must submit annual reports certifying whether China has committed acts violating Taiwan's sovereignty or territorial integrity, including military invasion, sustained economic coercion, or naval blockade. If the President cannot make this certification, normal trade relations with China would automatically suspend 30 days after the report, subjecting Chinese imports to significantly higher tariffs set in column 2 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Normal trade relations could only be restored after the President certifies that China is no longer engaged in such aggression and Taiwan's territorial integrity has been reestablished. The bill also requires the U.S. Trade Representative to conduct assessments every four years on American trade vulnerabilities and supply chain risks related to China, with recommendations for diversifying trade sources, and allows the President to waive the tariff suspension for one year only if Congress approves through a fast-tracked joint resolution. The legislation directly impacts businesses importing Chinese goods and potentially American consumers through higher prices, while signaling Congress's commitment to Taiwan's security.
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