The U.S. Commerce Department has initiated a Section 232 investigation into semiconductor imports, according to a filing to be published in the Federal Register Wednesday.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will assess the national security implications of importing semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment and derivative products, per the filing.
As part of the investigation, the Commerce Department will open a 21-day public comment period once the filing is published. Lutnick hinted at the upcoming Federal Register filing in an interview on ABC News’ “This Week” on Sunday.
The investigation would potentially lay the groundwork for the tariffs on semiconductors that President Donald Trump has previously promised.
On Friday, Trump expanded the scope of what could potentially fall under the semiconductor category when he added smartphones, laptops and some other electronics to the list of goods exempt from the U.S.’ reciprocal tariffs.
Lutnick told ABC News the exempt products categorized under the “semiconductors” banner would be part of sector-specific tariffs to come in the next month or two.
“So, these are coming soon. You shouldn’t think this is really outside of it. Really think of it as being included in the semiconductor space,” Lutnick said of the newly exempt product categories.
Such goods are still subject to tariffs related to a national emergency Trump has declared on fentanyl trafficking, the president said Sunday on Truth Social.
“We are taking a look at Semiconductors and the WHOLE ELECTRONICS SUPPLY CHAIN in the upcoming National Security Tariff Investigations,” Trump added in the post.
