Washington launches Section 232 investigation on trade security risks in robotics and machinery - Trade Treasury Payments

The U.S. Department of Commerce has opened a Section 232 investigation into whether imports of robotics and industrial machinery threaten national security. The inquiry, due for publication in the Federal Register on 26 September, forms part of a broader set of probes covering medical equipment, protective gear, and other critical goods.

Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 allows the U.S. president to restrict imports that are deemed a security risk. It has previously been invoked in cases involving steel, aluminium, semiconductors, auto parts, and critical minerals.

The scope of the new review includes industrial robots, computer-numerical control (CNC) systems, milling and grinding equipment, stamping presses, and advanced cutting machinery such as laser and water-jet tools. Companies are being asked to provide data on projected U.S. demand, the capacity of domestic production to meet that demand, and the extent of reliance on foreign suppliers.

The investigation comes as the United States imports heavily from Europe and Asia, with Germany, Japan, South Korea, and China among the main exporters of robotics and industrial machinery. New measures could raise costs for manufacturers across multiple sectors while offering potential advantages to U.S. producers.

Public comments are being solicited from industry, trade associations, and individuals. If the Commerce Department concludes that import dependence creates vulnerabilities, the Secretary of Commerce will make recommendations to the president, who has discretion to impose tariffs, quotas, or other restrictions.