The U.S. Commerce Department has launched a Section 232 investigation into semiconductor imports. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will lead the probe and assess national security risks related to importing semiconductors, manufacturing equipment, and derivative products.
Section 232 is a trade law used to evaluate the impact of imported goods on national security. The investigation was confirmed in an upcoming Federal Register filing, and Lutnick hinted at it during an interview on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday. Once officially published, a 21-day public comment period will begin.
This investigation will set the stage for potential semiconductor tariffs, in alignment with President Trump’s previously promised trade policy objectives.
On Friday, President Trump broadened the definition of “semiconductors” to include smartphones, laptops, and certain consumer electronics. Lutnick also confirmed during his interview with ABC that these products will be considered in upcoming sector-specific tariff policies.
President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social profile to further clarify the situation. “Nobody is getting “off the hook” for the unfair trade balances and non-monetary tariff barriers… especially not China, which, by far, treats us the worst! There was no tariff “exception” announced on Friday. These products are subject to the existing 20% fentanyl tariffs, and they are just moving to a different tariff “bucket,” he wrote.
“We are taking a look at semiconductors and the whole electronics supply chain in the upcoming National Security Tariff Investigations. What has been exposed is that we need to make products in the United States, and that we will not be held hostage by other countries, especially hostile trading nations like China, which will do everything within its power to disrespect the American people.”
