U.S. Section 232 Tariffs Expand With New Import Investigations

The United States has launched another Section 232 tariff investigation, while several additional measures remain under consideration covering critical minerals, drones, medical products and industrial machinery. The current and potential Section 232 actions cover hundreds of product categories, with several investigations approaching statutory deadlines that could lead to new tariff announcements or trade measures as early as this week.

The latest move reflects the Trump administration's continued use of Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which allows the United States to impose tariffs or other import restrictions when imports are determined to threaten national security.

U.S. Opens New Section 232 Investigation Into Steelmaking Coal Imports

In July 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) launched a Section 232 investigation into certain coal imports, specifically anthracite and metallurgical coal used as raw materials in steel production.

BIS stated that excessive imports could weaken the U.S. steelmaking supply chain and potentially threaten national security. However, U.S. imports of these coal products were valued at approximately $125 million in 2025, mainly sourced from Peru and Canada, while domestic production remains significantly larger than import volumes.

Critical Minerals Review Could Lead To New Trade Actions

A separate Section 232-related review on critical mineral imports is also nearing a decision point.

In January 2026, President Donald Trump directed the Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to engage in negotiations regarding U.S. critical mineral imports. The deadline for submitting the negotiation report is July 13.

An announcement from the administration is expected within the coming week and could include tariffs or other adjustments. However, the report may not be publicly released, or it may only indicate that negotiations will continue and require additional time.

Polysilicon And Drone Investigations Near Deadline

The Section 232 investigations into polysilicon and drones, launched on July 1, 2025, are approaching their statutory deadlines.

The administration is expected to issue an action announcement in the coming days. Potential outcomes include new tariffs, other import adjustments, or negotiations with trading partners.

Semiconductor And Manufacturing Equipment Review Remains A Strategic Focus

The Section 232 investigation into semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, launched in 2025, remains one of the Trump administration's key strategic trade reviews.

The investigation overlaps with the polysilicon review and could result in additional tariffs, stronger export controls, or supply chain negotiations in the coming weeks or months.

Since January 15, 2026, the United States has imposed an additional 25% ad valorem tariff on certain imported semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment and related derivatives.

Medical Products, Robotics And Industrial Machinery Under Review

In September 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated Section 232 investigations covering imported personal protective equipment, medical products, robotics and industrial machinery.

The investigation results are expected to be submitted to the president before mid-September 2026.

Commercial Aircraft Investigation Leads To Negotiations Instead Of Tariffs

On July 9, 2026, President Trump announced that he had reviewed the Commerce Department's Section 232 investigation report on commercial aircraft, jet engines, and aircraft and engine parts.

The investigation concluded that imports could threaten U.S. national security. However, Trump did not impose tariffs and instead instructed the Secretary of State and the USTR to negotiate with trading partners on import levels.

The negotiations will focus on adjusting imports of commercial aircraft, jet engines and related components to ensure that these imports do not threaten U.S. national security. A report on the negotiations is scheduled to be submitted in early January 2027.

The decision is consistent with existing U.S. trade measures, as aircraft and aircraft parts have been excluded from the Section 122 tariffs already implemented by the administration and from planned Section 301 tariff measures.

Although the United States maintains a trade surplus in aircraft products, the tariff threat could provide additional leverage in negotiations with Canada, the European Union and Brazil, which are major suppliers of aircraft and related components.

Pharmaceutical Imports Face New Section 232 Tariffs

In April 2026, the United States introduced new Section 232 tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, citing national security concerns.

Imported patented medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from companies that have not reached specific agreements with the U.S. government face additional 100% ad valorem tariffs.

Large pharmaceutical companies received a 120-day transition period, while smaller companies received 180 days. If companies fail to complete domestic production commitments within the required period, the tariff rate will remain or increase to 100%.

Allied countries face an additional 15% tariff, while the United Kingdom faces a 10% tariff. Tariffs could potentially fall to zero if pharmaceutical pricing agreements are reached.

Timber Tariffs Enter Implementation Phase

The Section 232 investigation into timber has already resulted in preliminary measures, which officially took effect on October 14, 2025.

Current tariffs include a 10% tariff on softwood lumber and timber products, as well as a 25% tariff on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities.

Planned tariff increases from 25% to 30% for upholstered furniture and 50% for kitchen and bathroom cabinets have been postponed for one year, with a new effective date of January 1, 2027.

Automotive Imports Subject To Additional 25% Tariffs

The Section 232 measures on automobiles and auto parts began in March 2025 and were gradually implemented.

Additional 25% tariffs apply to imported passenger vehicles, light trucks and key automotive components, including engines, transmissions, powertrains and electrical parts.

Covered vehicle categories include sedans, SUVs, crossover vehicles, minivans, vans and light trucks.

Steel, Aluminum And Copper Tariffs Receive Further Adjustments

Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum and copper underwent adjustments in April 2026, followed by further refinements and expansions in June.

Primary products that are fully or almost entirely made of steel, aluminum or copper, including aluminum sheets, steel coils and finished copper products, continue to face a 50% import tariff.

High-content derivative products containing more than 15% metal content by weight are subject to a 25% tariff.

Low-content derivative products containing less than 15% metal content are subject to zero tariffs.

Certain products manufactured overseas using entirely U.S.-smelted metals receive a reduced tariff rate of 10%. Selected industrial equipment, grid infrastructure products and certain agricultural machinery receive a reduced tariff rate of 15%, with these preferential measures expected to remain in place through 2027.

Trump Administration Drives Record Use Of Section 232 Investigations

Across his two presidential terms, President Trump has launched a total of 21 Section 232 investigations, compared with 26 investigations initiated by all other U.S. presidents combined.

When counting only investigations initiated directly by presidents, excluding cases triggered by industry petitions, Trump has initiated 17 investigations, compared with 10 by all other presidents combined.

The growing use of Section 232 highlights the administration's reliance on national security-based trade measures as a central tool for reshaping import policies and supply chains.