Trump’s Team Launches Probe into Imports: Are Semiconductors and Drones a Security Threat?

The Trump administration has initiated investigations into imports of a key semiconductor material and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to evaluate their potential impact on U.S. national security, according to Commerce Department notices released Monday.

The Bureau of Industry and Security published notices in the Federal Register detailing probes into polysilicon and UAS. These investigations, launched by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on July 1 under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, could potentially pave the way for new tariffs on these items.

Section 232 empowers the president to adjust imports into the United States if they are deemed to threaten national security.

According to the notices, the investigations will examine the effects of polysilicon and its derivatives, as well as UAS, including their parts and components. Polysilicon is a critical material in the semiconductor industry.

The department plans to solicit public comments for a 21-day period following the official posting of the notices.

Under the law, the commerce secretary has 270 days to present findings and recommendations regarding the imported products to the president.

Once the president receives the secretary’s report, he has 90 days to determine whether he agrees with the department’s findings and make a decision. (Yonhap)