The Trump administration took steps on Monday to impose new tariffs on semiconductors and pharmaceutical products, marking the start of a process that could increase tariffs on goods entering the U.S. from around the globe.
A statement from White House spokesperson Kush Desai explained that President Trump has long emphasized the importance of bringing back manufacturing vital to the country’s economic and national security. As part of this effort, the Department of Commerce has initiated public comment periods for investigations into the national security risks posed by imports of pharmaceuticals and semiconductor-related products.
The investigations were officially launched on April 1, with federal notices posted to inform the public of the process. These tariffs will be implemented under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which gives the president the authority to impose duties on imports that threaten national security. In March, Trump also expanded tariffs on steel and aluminum and began investigations into copper and timber imports.
