Trump administration weighs new tariffs on six industries, including batteries and power equipment

US President Donald Trump is considering imposing new tariffs on at least six industries.

According to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 23rd (local time), the Trump administration is reviewing national security tariffs on at least six industries in response to the Supreme Court’s recent move to invalidate a large share of the second-term tariffs. The sectors under review reportedly include large-scale batteries, cast-iron and steel fittings, plastic piping, industrial chemicals, and power grid and telecommunications equipment.

The tariffs are expected to be pursued under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The provision grants the president broad authority to levy tariffs on the grounds of national security threats. However, it requires an investigation process conducted by the Department of Commerce, and tariffs can only be imposed after the investigation is completed. Once in place, the president can adjust them unilaterally.

The new Section 232 tariffs will be pursued separately from the second-term tariffs recently struck down by the Supreme Court. Immediately after the ruling, Trump announced a new 15% tariff that can remain in effect for up to five months, and any additional tariffs applied thereafter are expected to be imposed under Section 301 of the trade law.

Tariffs already imposed under Section 232—covering steel, aluminum, copper, automobiles, trucks and auto parts—are said to be unaffected by the Supreme Court decision. In addition, products covered by Section 232 have been excluded from other second-term tariffs under Trump.

The timing for launching the investigations and the actual imposition of tariffs has yet to be determined. The White House said protecting national and economic security is its top priority and that it will use all lawful authorities.

White House spokesperson Kush Desai said in a statement, “Safeguarding America’s national and economic security is President Trump’s top priority, and the administration will use all lawful authorities to do so.”