Trump administration probes imports of medical devices, robotics and machinery for possible tariffs

Medical devices facing tariff scrutiny: ©Alliance - stock.adobe.com

The Trump administration has launched investigations into imports of robotics, industrial machinery and medical devices, opening the door to new tariffs as President Donald Trump seeks to expand his trade agenda.

The Commerce Department began the inquiries Sept. 2 under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, according to notices published in the Federal Register. The law allows the president to impose duties on goods deemed critical to national security. The department has 270 days to issue recommendations.

The new probes broaden the scope of industries potentially subject to tariffs as Trump looks to encourage U.S. manufacturing by raising the cost of foreign-made goods. They join ongoing Section 232 investigations into pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, aircraft, critical minerals, and medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The administration has already used the statute to levy tariffs on automobiles, copper, steel and aluminum.

Any new duties would be in addition to Trump’s country-based tariffs enacted under emergency powers. While trading partners such as the European Union and Japan have negotiated deals to prevent overlapping levies, the Supreme Court is weighing a challenge to those tariffs after two lower courts declared them illegal.

Tariffs imposed under Section 232 can remain in place across administrations, though they take longer to implement than emergency powers. The administration has signaled particular concern about U.S. reliance on foreign suppliers for medical consumables such as syringes, sutures, catheters and gauze, as well as personal protective equipment like gloves and masks.

The robotics and machinery probe will focus on computer-controlled mechanical systems and factory equipment including milling, stamping and pressing machines.

The medical technology industry urged caution. AdvaMed, a trade group representing device makers, said 70% of medical products in U.S. hospitals are already made domestically across thousands of facilities in all 50 states. “We believe this process will reinforce the fact that U.S. medtech manufacturing is strong and lower tariffs will fuel more manufacturing and job growth in the U.S., which means greater access to lifesaving technologies and lower costs to American hospitals and patients,” the group said in a statement.

As part of the investigation, the Commerce Department is seeking comments from companies about their projected demand for these products, whether U.S. factories can meet it, and the role of foreign supply chains. Officials also asked firms to detail the effects of foreign subsidies and other “predatory trade practices.”