Trump Launches Investigations Into Chips and Drug Imports Ahead of New Tariffs

U.S. Investigates Imports of Chips and Drugs as Trump Eyes New Tariffs

President Donald Trump’s administration is ramping up efforts to bring manufacturing back to the U.S., starting with fresh investigations into the import of semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.

These moves, detailed in notices published in the Federal Register, are early steps toward imposing new tariffs and could significantly expand Trump’s ongoing trade war. The Commerce Department has officially launched probes to determine how the import of semiconductors, semiconductor-making equipment, finished drugs, and pharmaceutical ingredients may impact national security.

These investigations, started on April 1 under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, give the Commerce Secretary up to 270 days to deliver findings—although officials hint the process could wrap up sooner.

Trump has regularly expressed worry about America's dependence on foreign-made technology and pharmaceuticals, claiming it compromises national security and damages U.S. industry.

He is now indicating a will to impose new responsibilities on these imports. Experts, meanwhile, say that such levies would affect supply networks and increase costs for American consumers. Particularly vulnerable is the semiconductor industry, which last year recorded worldwide sales above $600 billion. From cars to cellphones to computers to even planes, chips are the backbone of many goods.

Already under strain from supply problems from the epidemic, the sector would suffer more if tariffs are applied. Interestingly, this announcement follows a brief exemption of semiconductors, smartphones, and other electronics from a massive 145% tariff targeting Chinese goods. That move was seen as temporary relief for tech companies like Apple and Nvidia.

But Trump’s administration made it clear that separate tariffs on chips are still in the pipeline. The semiconductor investigation is expected to be extensive, covering everything from legacy chips to advanced processors used in artificial intelligence.

It will also include electronic products containing semiconductors and the tools used to make them. These actions mark a renewed push by Trump to reshape U.S. trade policies and reinforce domestic production—moves that could have wide-ranging implications for global markets and consumer prices.