Question Period Note: U.S. Section 232 sectoral investigations

Since February, the US administration has initiated 7 sectoral investigations under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act to determine the effects of imports in the specified sectors on US security

» We are aware that the U.S. administration is conducting a series of section 232 investigations to determine the effects of imports on U.S. national security.

» Imports from Canada do not threaten, but rather enhance, the economic and national security of the United States.

» The Government of Canada has conveyed this position in formal public submissions to the Department of Commerce in response to the various U.S. section 232 investigations.

» Canada and the United States are safer, stronger, and more prosperous when we work together.

Under Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act of 1962, upon request or by self-initiation, the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) may initiate an investigation to ascertain the effect of specific imports on U.S. national security. Following production of a report by Commerce, the President can decide whether to implement trade restrictions if any are recommended.
Since February 2025, the United States administration has initiated seven such investigations:
· Timber, Lumber, and their Derivative Products - investigation launched on March 10, 2025.
· Imports of Copper in All Forms - investigation launched on March 10, 2025.
· Imports of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Ingredients - investigation launched on April 1, 2025.
· Imports of Semiconductors and Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment - investigation launched on April 1, 2025.
· Imports of Medium- and Heavy-duty Trucks and Medium- and Heavy-duty Truck Parts - investigation launched on April 22, 2025.
· Imports of Processed Critical Minerals and their Derivative Products - investigation launched on April 22, 2025.
· Imports of Commercial aircrafts and jet engines and parts of commercial aircrafts and jet engines - investigation launched on May 1, 2025.
The Secretary of Commerce has 270 days from the date of the start of each investigation (in all but the processed critical minerals investigation, which stipulates 180 days) to provide his report to the President. Depending on the findings of the report, the President could choose to impose tariffs or other trade restrictions on the implicated products/sector. As part of each new investigation, the United States has invited public comment, and the Government of Canada has made submissions which underscore that Canadian exports do not pose a threat to, but rather enhance, U.S. economic and national security.

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