FILE PHOTO: United States Department of Commerce logo and U.S. flag are seen in this illustration taken April 23, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Commerce Department said on Wednesday it has opened new national security investigations into the import of personal protective equipment, medical items, robotics and industrial machinery.

The "Section 232" investigations, which were opened on September 2 but not publicly disclosed previously, could be used as a basis for even higher tariffs on a wide swath of medical and industrial goods including imported face masks, syringes, and infusion pumps as well as for robotics and industrial machinery like programmable computer-controlled mechanical systems and industrial stamping and pressing machines.

The probe asks companies to detail projected demand for robotics and industrial machinery and the extent to which "domestic production of robotics and industrial machinery, and their parts and components can meet domestic demand" as well as the role of foreign supply chains in meeting U.S. demand.

The tariffs could also cover surgical masks, N95 respirators, gloves, gowns and other medical and surgical instruments and supplies including IV bags, gauze/bandages, sutures, wheelchairs, crutches and hospital beds.

The U.S. Commerce Department wants companies to detail projected demand for personal protection and medical equipment and devices and the extent that domestic production can meet U.S. demand, as well as the role of foreign supply chains, particularly of major exporters like China in meeting U.S. medical needs and the "impact of foreign government subsidies and predatory trade practices."

The probe also covers pacemakers, insulin pumps, coronary stents, heart valves, hearing aids, prosthetics, blood glucose monitors, orthopedic appliances, computed tomography scanners and magnetic resonance imaging machines.

Pharmaceuticals including prescription drugs as well as drones are part of separate 232 probes.

The robotics probe includes machine tools for cutting, welding, and handling workpieces, autoclaves and industrial ovens. Laser and water-cutting tools and machinery are also included.

The department has opened numerous probes into the national security ramifications of imports of wind turbines, airplanes, semiconductors, heavy trucks, polysilicon, copper, timber and lumber and critical minerals.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chris Reese and Daniel Wallis)