US May Impose New ‘National Security’ Tariffs; Indian Exports Could Be Impacted
Washington: Following a recent ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States on tariffs, the United States is reportedly preparing to impose fresh import duties on several products under the national security clause. The move could affect countries like India, particularly in sectors linked to global supply chains.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the proposed tariffs may target products such as large batteries, cast iron, plastic pipes, industrial chemicals, power grid equipment, and telecom gear. If implemented, the new duties could impact Indian exports in metals, chemicals, and industrial components.
Tariffs Under Section 232
The report states that the new tariffs could be imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. This provision allows the US President to levy tariffs on imports deemed a threat to national security.
The proposed measures would reportedly be separate from the global 15 percent tariff plan earlier proposed by former President Donald Trump for a five-month period. Section 232 has previously been used to impose tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper, automobiles, and auto parts. However, it remains unclear when any new investigations would begin or when the tariffs might come into effect.
Under Section 232, a detailed investigation process is required before tariffs are imposed. Once implemented, however, duties can be modified unilaterally.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai said that safeguarding America’s national and economic security remains a top priority for President Trump, and the administration is committed to using every legal authority to achieve that objective.
Recently, the US Supreme Court, in a 6–3 ruling, struck down most of the tariffs imposed during Trump’s second term under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Media reports indicate that the judgment did not address tariffs imposed under Section 232.
US trade policy under the Trump administration has frequently faced scrutiny from courts and trading partners. Earlier tariffs on steel and aluminum had triggered retaliatory measures from several countries, including India.
