Core Points - The Trump administration is expanding the scope of tariffs to include robots and medical devices, with investigations initiated under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act [1] - The Department of Commerce has 270 days to submit policy recommendations to the President regarding imports deemed critical to national security [1] - Concerns over reliance on foreign medical supplies, such as syringes and sutures, have prompted the new investigation into medical devices [1] - The investigation into robots and industrial machinery will focus on computer-controlled systems and widely used factory equipment [1] - The Department of Commerce will also review trade in personal protective equipment, including gloves and masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic [1] - The new investigations expand the range of industries potentially facing tariffs, following similar inquiries into pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, aircraft, critical minerals, and heavy trucks [1] - Previous tariffs have been imposed on automobiles, copper, steel, and aluminum using the same legal framework [1] Industry Implications - The Section 232 investigations provide a significant policy backing for the Trump administration, especially if comprehensive tariffs against multiple economies are challenged in federal court [2]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights the strategic expansion of Nidec's home appliance division (ACIM) in response to geopolitical tensions and the necessity for global business diversification [2] - Nidec's home appliance and automotive division (AAD) is a significant business unit, accounting for approximately 40% of the group's total sales [2] - Nidec emphasizes that its overseas strategy is not new, having operated in this manner for decades, and evaluates potential markets based on factors such as market potential, proximity to key customers, supply chain efficiency, and regulatory environment [2][3] Group 2 - The newly inaugurated industrial park in Qingdao is designed to enhance close collaboration with customers, allowing for better understanding of their needs and quicker responses [3] - Nidec is exploring new growth avenues in AI and robotics, addressing the challenge of integrating traditional home appliances with AI technologies [3] - In the robotics sector, Nidec offers products like gear reducers and servo motors, while in the AI domain, it provides thermal solutions to tackle heat management issues associated with AI development [3] - For the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, Nidec reported net sales of approximately 2.6 trillion yen, reflecting an 11.1% year-on-year increase, and an operating profit of 240.2 billion yen, up 48.4% year-on-year [3]