This story was originally published on MedTech Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily MedTech Dive newsletter. Medtech companies face more tariff uncertainty as the Trump administration opens a Section 232 investigation into medical equipment. The Department of Commerce disclosed the probe late Wednesday, although it had started several weeks earlier, on Sept. 2. Medical device firms are still looking into the potential implications. Industry group Advamed, which has been lob ...

Core Points - The Trump administration has initiated national security investigations into imports of robotics, industrial machinery, and medical devices, potentially leading to new tariffs that could increase costs for consumers, hospitals, and manufacturers [1][2] - The investigations, opened under "Section 232" of the Trade Expansion Act, aim to determine if these imports pose a threat to U.S. national security [2][3] - The scope of the probes includes personal protective equipment, medical equipment, and pharmaceuticals, reflecting concerns over reliance on foreign supply chains [3][5] Industry Impact - The auto industry may face significant challenges due to potential tariffs, as it represented the largest demand for industrial robots with 13,747 installations in the previous year, most of which were imported [7] - The healthcare sector could experience increased costs for medical devices and protective gear, potentially limiting access to essential equipment and care for patients [7] - The U.S. heavily relies on imports from Mexico and China for machinery, with these countries accounting for over 18% and 17% of total U.S. machinery purchases in 2023, respectively [6]