US moves ahead on tariffs with investigations into computer chips and pharmaceuticals

The Trump administration has taken its next steps toward imposing more tariffs on key imports, launching investigations into imports of computer chips, chip making equipment and pharmaceuticals.

The Department of Commerce posted notices about the probes yesterday [Macau time] on the Federal Register, seeking public comment within three weeks. It had not formally announced them earlier.

Although President Trump paused most of his biggest tariff hikes last week for 90 days, apart from those for imports from China, he has said he still plans tariffs on pharmaceutical drugs, lumber, copper and computer chips.

The Commerce Department is investigating how imports of computer chips, equipment to make them and products that contain them — awhich include many daily necessities such as cars, refrigerators, and smart phones — affect national security. Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 permits the president to order tariffs for the sake of national security.

The probe includes assessing the potential for U.S. domestic production of computer chips to meet U.S. demand and the role of foreign manufacturing and assembly, testing and packaging in meeting those needs.