Trump Targets Robotics, Medical Gear, and Industrial Machinery in New Tariff Push
The Trump administration has initiated fresh investigations into the imports of robotics, industrial machinery, and medical devices, indicating a possible extension of the President’s tariff programme. The Department of Commerce initiated the investigations on September 2, as noted in the Federal Register, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. “Under the law, which allows the president to tariff goods deemed critical to national security, the department has 270 days to deliver its policy recommendations,” the notices stated.
The probes may lead to new tariffs on imports, as President Trump aims to enhance domestic manufacturing in crucial sectors by increasing the price of foreign products. Any tariffs resulting from the new probes would add to the existing country-specific levies. However, significant economies such as the European Union and Japan have engaged in negotiations to avert overlapping charges. Trade experts view the Section 232 investigations as a possible protective measure for the administration, should federal courts overturn broader tariffs enacted under emergency powers. The Supreme Court has decided to examine the challenges to those tariffs, which have already been deemed illegal by two lower courts.
According to the report, tariffs under Section 232 can persist through various administrations, although their implementation is more time-consuming compared to duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Emphasize medical equipment and the importance of domestic production. Concerns have been raised by certain officials from the Trump administration regarding the United States’ reliance on foreign suppliers for essential medical consumables, such as syringes, sutures, catheters, and gauze. The Commerce Department will also investigate imports of personal protective equipment, including gloves and face masks that gained prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The new investigation into medical equipment will exclude prescription drugs, biologics, and other pharmaceuticals, as these are already being examined in a separate inquiry. The investigation into robotics and industrial machinery will focus on computer-controlled mechanical systems, milling machines, and stamping and pressing machines typically utilized in factories, as stated in the Federal Register notice.
