Medical Device Imports Face "Stuck": 232 Tariff Investigation Sparks Controversy, Industry Calls for Policy Exemption

The Section 232 investigation initiated by the Trump administration targets medical device imports, facing opposition from the entire industry due to potential tariff increases and supply chain disruptions.

In early September, the Trump administration The import of medical devices has initiated Investigation No. 232, targeting cardiovascular, diabetes, and imaging equipment, due to national security concerns.

Article 232 is part of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, allowing the Secretary of Commerce to determine the impact of imports of personal protective equipment, medical supplies, and medical devices (including instruments) on national security.

Article 232 allows the president to impose restrictions on imports or negotiate with trading partners after an investigation determines that the imports pose a threat to national security.

This is not the first time the Trump administration has opposed Section 232. It also applied this rule to automobiles, copper, steel, and aluminum. This allowed Trump to ensure that tariffs on these items remained in place, even if the courts ruled them illegal.

Several major advocacy groups and analysts believe that Section 232 is a new way to impose tariffs on medical devices—something the industry does not need.

"The results of this survey and subsequent actions are currently uncertain and may bring volatility to medical technology stocks in the coming quarters. Most medical device companies have already managed some tariff resistance, but new tariffs could pose another challenge to profit margins," wrote stock research firm William Blair in a report.

Since Trump took office in early 2025, the United States has been imposing substantial tariffs on major trading partners. These tariffs have created financial and supply challenges for medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Some advocacy groups have spoken out, calling for the exemption of tariffs on the medical device industry.