U.S. Broadens Import Probe, Imposes Tariffs on Masks, Syringes, and Robotics

The Trump administration has launched national security probes under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act into imports of robotics, industrial machinery, medical devices, and personal protective equipment like masks, gloves, syringes, and hospital equipment. The investigations aim to assess threats to U.S. security and could justify new tariffs to boost domestic production. Companies are invited to comment on domestic supply, foreign subsidies, and trade practices. Potential tariffs may raise costs for consumers, hospitals, and manufacturers, with the auto industry, reliant on imported robots, and medical sectors particularly affected. These duties would supplement existing country-specific tariffs.