US launches investigation into automobile imports on a 'national security' basis
Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 authorizes the Commerce Department to determine "the effects of imports of any article on the national security of the United States."
President Trump asked Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to carry out the probe.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has initiated an investigation into automobile imports to determine whether they "threaten to impair the national security" of the United States, the agency said in a statement on Wednesday night local time.
The probe will be carried out under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. That section of the law authorizes the secretary of Commerce to determine "the effects of imports of any article on the national security of the United States."
The United States carries out a brisk trade in automobile imports and exports, primarily with closely allied countries including Japan, Germany and South Korea.
Some U.S.-based automakers and auto parts makers also manufacture products in Mexico and Canada and then import them into the United States.
Minutes before the announcement, the White House released a statement saying that President Donald Trump asked Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross for the probe.
"Core industries such as automobiles and automotive parts are critical to our strength as a Nation," the White House statement said.
Commerce Secretary Ross sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis to inform him of the investigation.
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/23/president-trump-asks-for-national-security-investigation-of-automobile-imports.html