U.S. Widens Tariff Investigations to Medical Devices, Robotics and PPE

Washington – The Trump administration has launched broad investigations into imports of robotics, industrial equipment and medical devices, potentially triggering new tariffs for products from hospital beds to face masks.

The U.S. Commerce Department indicated the investigations, initiated September 2 under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, will decide if such imports are menacing national security. The action extends the range of products under investigation to protective gear such as N95 respirators, gloves, syringes and prescription medication, as well as diagnostic and treatment devices such as pacemakers, insulin pumps and heart valves.

The inquiries could lead to new responsibilities targeting the fortification of local production of strategic commodities. Companies have been asked to provide information on demand, domestic manufacturing capability and the effect of foreign subsidies.

Washington has already used Section 232 to impose tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper and automobiles. Presently under review are pharmaceuticals and semiconductor supply chains, highlighting issues regarding foreign dependence.

Any additional responsibilities would be on top of current country-specific tariffs, although friends like the European Union and Japan have secured exemptions. Mexican and Chinese machinery imports are still uniquely important, totaling over a third of U.S. purchases in 2023, statistics show.

Industry associations alert that tariffs on medical devices would increase hospital and patient expenses. "Any added expense will be largely absorbed by taxpayer-supported health programs such as Medicare and Medicaid," stated AdvaMed CEO Scott Whitaker, the trade association of the medical device industry. The American Hospital Association also warned that disruptions to supplies would have a direct impact on patient care.