H.R. 3982 — To establish a Tariff Response and Damages to Exports fund, and for other purposes.

This section establishes the Tariff Response and Damages to Exports Fund (TRADE Fund) in the Treasury general fund, with amounts from presidential deposits of duties on imports classified under chapters 1 through 24 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (i.e., agricultural products such as live animals, meat, dairy, and edible fruits and vegetables) made available without further appropriation to the Secretary of Agriculture. The Secretary must use fund amounts to make payments to affected agricultural producers for losses from export competition, reduced foreign market access, or trade-related disruptions, including (1) decreased exports, (2) foreign tariff or non-tariff barriers, or (3) increased costs of production inputs for agricultural commodities and livestock. The Secretary must report to the agriculture and appropriations committees of both chambers within 60 days after each fiscal year on fund revenues deposited, economic impacts on producers, and assistance provided. The authority terminates on September 30, 2030, with any unobligated balances rescinded.