The Trump administration has expanded its national security investigations into a wide range of imports, including robotics, industrial machinery, and medical supplies. The move could pave the way for new tariffs that may raise costs for U.S. consumers, hospitals, and manufacturers.
On September 2, the U.S. Department of Commerce launched new probes under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, aimed at determining whether certain imported products pose a threat to national security.
The expanded list includes personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical masks, N95 respirators, gloves, syringes, needles, and even certain prescription drugs. It also covers a wide range of medical devices, including wheelchairs, hospital beds, pacemakers, insulin pumps, and heart valves.
According to the Commerce Department, the investigations could justify additional sector-specific tariffs intended to strengthen domestic production of goods considered vital to national security.
The latest probes also focus on industrial machinery and robotics, with the auto industry likely to be among the hardest hit. The International Federation of Robotics reported that U.S. automakers installed 13,747 robots in 2023, the vast majority of which were imported due to limited domestic manufacturing capacity.
Trade data from the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) shows heavy reliance on foreign suppliers, with imports from Mexico and China accounting for 18% and 17% of total U.S. machinery purchases last year.
Healthcare leaders have warned that new tariffs on medical equipment and protective gear could significantly increase costs for hospitals and patients.
“MedTech supply chain leaders are already reporting concerns, and we cannot afford to drive up healthcare costs for patients or the system,” said Scott Whitaker, CEO of AdvaMed, the trade group representing medical technology companies. He added that higher costs would ultimately fall on taxpayer-funded programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Veterans Health Administration.
The American Hospital Association (AHA) has also raised alarms. In April, CEO Rick Pollack warned that “disruptions in the availability of these critical devices — many of which are sourced internationally — have the potential to disrupt patient care.”
The Trump administration has repeatedly invoked Section 232 in recent years to justify tariffs on products ranging from steel, aluminum, and copper to automobiles and auto parts.
In addition to the latest probes, ongoing investigations target imports of pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, silicon wafers, chipmaking equipment, and related products, underscoring Washington’s concerns over foreign supply chain dependency.
While the European Union and Japan have negotiated agreements that could shield them from new levies, other major trading partners — including China and Mexico — remain exposed to the risk of higher duties.
Analysts warn that the widening scope of U.S. tariff investigations could have far-reaching effects:
Manufacturers face higher input costs, especially in the automotive and industrial sectors.
Consumers may encounter rising prices on essential goods and medical services.
Healthcare systems risk shortages of critical equipment, potentially affecting patient care.
Although the administration argues that tariffs are necessary to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains and protect national security, critics caution that the measures may backfire by inflating costs and straining industries that depend heavily on imports.
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