U.S. Commerce Department launches probe into semiconductors and pharmaceutical imports

The Trump administration is launching probes that could lay the groundwork for tariffs on semiconductor and pharmaceutical imports.

On Monday, the U.S. Commerce Department announced it had initiated national security probes into the import of semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, pharmaceuticals, and pharmaceutical ingredients.

While the timeline remains uncertain, the investigations are legally required to conclude within 270 days.

The move marks the latest effort to bolster domestic manufacturing, as Trump continues to criticize America's reliance on foreign-made medicine and its dependence on chips from Asian countries.