Overview

• The inquiries, launched Sept. 2 and disclosed in Federal Register notices this week, cover PPE, medical consumables and devices, robotics and a broad array of industrial machinery.
• Companies are being asked for data on U.S. demand, domestic capacity and foreign supply chains, including the effects of subsidies and potential export restrictions by major suppliers such as China.
• Pharmaceuticals are excluded from this review because a separate Section 232 investigation is already underway.
• Items cited include surgical masks, N95s, gloves, gowns, syringes, infusion pumps, wheelchairs, pacemakers, CT and MRI machines, as well as robots, milling machines, stamping and pressing equipment, autoclaves, and laser and water‑cutting tools.
• Any recommendations are due within 270 days and could result in tariffs that would be in addition to existing country-based duties, drawing concern from medtech trade groups over higher costs and access to care.