Trump Administration Launches Rare Probe of the National Security Impact of Steel Imports

On April 20, 2017, the Trump Administration announced the initiation of an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 19621 to assess the impact of steel imports on U.S. national security. This “Section 232” investigation reflects another step towards implementation of the Trump Administration’s assertive “America First” international trade agenda, and provides further indication of the president’s intent to use all available mechanisms to promote robust trade enforcement.