On September 2, the US Department of Commerce initiated a "Section 232" national security investigation into imports of personal protective equipment, medical supplies, robotics, and industrial machinery, which could serve as the basis for imposing higher tariffs on a wide range of medical and industrial products.The probe requires companies to provide detailed information on the expected demand for such products, the extent to which domestic production can meet US needs, and the role of foreign supply chains in meeting US demand.Related NewsCiti Elevates UBTECH ROBOTICS (09880.HK) TP to $170, Changes Rating to BuyIn the case of personal protective equipment and medical supplies, the probe also examines the role of major exporting countries such as China in meeting US medical demand, as well as the impact of foreign government subsidies and predatory trade practices.