Trump Directs Commerce to Open Section 232 Investigation of Auto Imports

On May 23, 2018, President Trump directed U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross to initiate an investigation of the U.S. automobile, SUV, light truck, van, and auto parts sectors to determine whether imports of those products threaten to impair U.S. national security. This investigation will be conducted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allows the president to impose tariffs, quotas, or other measures in order to protect U.S. national security.