Federal officials are considering imposing new national security-related tariffs on about half a dozen industries after the U.S. Supreme Court recently invalidated a package of tariffs imposed during the president's second term, sources familiar with the deliberations said. According to the report, the prospective duties would be issued under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and would stand apart from a 15% global tariff the president announced on Saturday.
The Supreme Court last week struck down the broader tariffs that had been pursued under a statute designed for national emergencies. Following that ruling, the president first put in place a temporary 10% tariff on imports from all countries and then increased that temporary rate to 15%.
Those close to the potential policy changes indicated the new Section 232 levies could focus on several industrial categories. The list of sectors under consideration includes large-scale batteries, cast iron and iron fittings, plastic piping, industrial chemicals, and equipment used in power grid and telecommunications systems. The report characterized the list as illustrative of the industries being discussed rather than as a final determination.
At the time of reporting, the announcement of these potential tariffs had not been independently confirmed and the White House did not immediately reply to an inquiry for comment. The deliberations come after the court decision removed the legal basis for a number of the president's earlier tariff actions under the emergency-use statute.
What is clear from the reporting is that any new levies under Section 232 would be a separate policy path from the uniform 15% global tariff announced recently. The precise timing, scope and final list of products or industries that might be subject to Section 232 measures have not been disclosed publicly.
Note on sourcing and status - The account above is based on information indicating active consideration of new Section 232 tariffs and on official actions taken to date, including the temporary 10% and subsequent 15% global tariffs. Confirmation of the administration's final decisions has not been provided by officials.