US opens tariff probes into medical equipment, robotics, industrial machinery

The U.S. Commerce Department has initiated national security investigations into imports of personal protective equipment, medical items, robotics, and industrial machinery. These "Section 232" investigations, initiated on September 2nd, could lead to higher tariffs on a wide range of goods. The probes will assess domestic production capacity, foreign supply chain reliance, and the impact of foreign subsidies on U.S. demand.