Machine Tools, Industrial Robots Subjects of Section 232 Investigation
The Commerce Department launched an investigation on Sept. 2 on the import of industrial machinery and robotics, and whether domestic producers should be protected in order to improve U.S. national security.
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In a Federal Register notice set for publication on Sept. 26, the Bureau of Industry and Security said the scope of the investigation includes computer-controlled mechanical systems, industrial stamping and pressing machines, machine tools for milling, cutting and welding, laser and water-cutting machine tools, as well as grinding and deburring equipment, metal finishing and treatment equipment, autoclaves and industrial ovens. The investigation also covers industrial robots.
Japan and Germany have dominated the industrial machinery sector for decades, but China has grown in the last 10 years.
Comments are due Oct. 17.
Commerce particularly would like to hear from commenters on:
- Current, projected and "optimal demand" for these machines and robots and their parts
- How much domestic production fills domestic demand
- Whether a small number of companies and countries supply these goods, and what risks that creates
- The impact of "foreign government subsidies and predatory trade practices on the competitiveness of the robotics and industrial machinery, and their parts and components, in the United States"
- The "economic impact of artificially suppressed prices of robotics and industrial machinery, and their parts and components due to foreign unfair trade practices and state-sponsored overproduction"
- The ability of foreign countries to weaponize their control of their supply of these products
- The feasibility of increasing domestic production of these products
- The impact of current trade policies on domestic production of these products
- Whether tariffs and quotas on these products are necessary to protect national security
- What the use of these goods does to domestic manufacturing employment
- The future role of these goods in the production of national security items.