Overview

• The Department of Commerce initiated the national security investigation on August 13 and publicly posted the notice today in the Federal Register under Section 232.
• The notice seeks comments on foreign supply chains, government subsidies, predatory trade practices, and whether imported turbines or parts could be weaponized.
• The inquiry follows this week’s increases in steel and aluminum tariffs for hundreds of products including wind turbines, with some coverage reporting a new 50% duty on metal content.
• Coverage cites trade data showing the U.S. imported about $1.7 billion of wind equipment in 2023, with roughly 41% sourced from Mexico, Canada, and China.
• Industry analysis cited in reporting estimates tariffs could raise turbine and project costs, and manufacturers are expected to reroute supply chains, localize subassemblies, and pass higher costs through to electricity prices.