U.S. Launches National Security Probes into Critical Industries, Potentially Impacting Supply Chains

The Commerce Department has initiated sweeping investigations into multiple sectors deemed vital to national security. Tariff hikes loom for personal protective equipment, advanced robotics, industrial machinery, and medical devices if foreign dependence—particularly on China—is proven excessive.

Manufacturers face unprecedented scrutiny. Detailed breakdowns of production capacity, domestic demand forecasts, and foreign supply chain reliance are now compulsory. The probes extend to welding robots, laser cutters, autoclaves, and nearly every component of modern medical infrastructure from N95 masks to MRI machines.

This regulatory offensive mirrors growing geopolitical tensions. By mapping vulnerabilities in America's industrial base, the administration appears to be preparing targeted decoupling measures. The medical device sector alone spans 18 product categories, suggesting systemic rather than piecemeal reevaluation of global supply networks.