US Eyes Robots and Medical Gear in Tariff Probes: Supply Lines

The US Department of Commerce launched investigations into imports of robotics, industrial machinery and medical devices, laying the groundwork for more potential sectoral tariffs on top of country-by-country levies imposed globally in August.

One of the Section 232 probes will examine the national security implications of imports widely used in US factories, including computer-controlled mechanical systems, milling machines, and stamping and pressing machines.

Another inquiry will consider medical equipment, including syringes, sutures, catheters, gauze and personal protective equipment, as Trump looks to encourage domestic manufacturing in key industries by taxing companies that buy imports. (Click here for the full story.)

Major US automakers and heavy-equipment manufacturers rely ...