Greta M. Peisch

On April 23, the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced its initiation of investigations into the national security effects of imports of critical minerals and medium/heavy trucks, parts for such goods, and their derivative products, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The investigation into critical minerals follows an April 15, 2025 Executive Order directing Commerce to begin an investigation.

On April 15, 2025, the Trump Administration issued an Executive Order (EO) directing the Secretary of Commerce to initiate an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (Section 232), to determine whether imports of processed critical minerals and their derivative products pose threats to national security.

On April 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) released draft Federal Register notices soliciting public comments in two previously unannounced investigations into the national security impacts of imported pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients and semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and derivative articles. The notices are scheduled for publication on April 16, and comments are due within 21 days of publication – that is, by, May 7, 2025.

On April 9, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order that: Increases the reciprocal tariff announced last week for Chinese products (including products of Hong Kong and Macau) to 125%, effective as of 12:01 a.m. EDT on April 10, 2025; Pauses the high reciprocal tariffs on other specific countries, leaving those countries (except China) with a 10% tariff rate through July 9, 2025; Substantially increases fees on the entry of de minimis low-value shipments from China; and Maintains the exemption from tariffs for USMCA-compliant goods from Canada and Mexico.

On April 2, 2025, President Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on imports into the United States, with a minimum 10% tariff applied to imports from most sources with limited country and product carveouts as discussed below, and higher tariff rates imposed on more than 60 specific countries as further described below.