The U.S. Commerce Department began Section 232 national security investigations on Sept. 2 into PPE, medical devices, and industrial machinery, though the move was not disclosed until late September. The reviews could pave the way for tariffs or other trade restrictions across a broad range of healthcare and industrial products.
The scope is broad. It covers medical supplies such as masks, gloves, gowns, and IV bags; medical devices like pacemakers, stents, and CT/MRI scanners; and robotics and industrial machinery, including tools for cutting, welding, and material handling. The investigations also look at foreign supply chains, domestic production capacity, and whether foreign subsidies or trade practices undermine U.S. industries.
Commerce is gathering input from stakeholders on demand forecasts and the balance between U.S. production and imports. Section 232 investigations, authorized under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, have previously led to tariffs on steel and aluminum. If imports are found to threaten national security, the government can impose tariffs, quotas, or other restrictions. Formal findings are expected in the coming months.
