The United States Commerce Department has initiated national security investigations into imports of pharmaceutical and semiconductor products. The inquiries, made public through a notice on the Federal Register, aim to determine whether these imports pose risks to the country's security infrastructure.

The reviews began on April 1 under the authority of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. According to the department, the pharmaceutical segment of the investigation will include finished drug products, active pharmaceutical ingredients, medical countermeasures, and key starting materials.

The announcement follows remarks from President Donald Trump, who recently suggested that tariffs on imported pharmaceutical products could be introduced in the "not too distant future." He argued that such measures would incentivize companies to relocate their manufacturing operations back to the United States, strengthening domestic supply chains and reducing dependency on foreign sources.

This dual investigation reflects the administration’s strategic focus on securing critical industries amid evolving global challenges. The Commerce Department emphasized the need to assess vulnerabilities in both the pharmaceutical and semiconductor supply chains, noting their central role in national health and technological resilience.

Further steps will depend on the findings of these reviews. If the investigations reveal national security threats, the administration could impose tariffs or recommend additional actions to mitigate risk. Public comments and data submissions are expected to be part of the review process, which is already drawing significant attention from industry stakeholders.

The move underscores the Trump administration’s broader economic strategy, combining trade enforcement with national security objectives. As the reviews progress, they could shape future policy on import regulations and domestic production initiatives in sectors deemed vital to the nation’s well-being.