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1 1 (July 16, 2019)

handle is hein.crs/govbalv0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 Background The Trump Administration has conducted multiple investigations under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (19 U.S.C. § 1862, as amended) to determine if certain imports threaten to impair national security. President Trump acted after four separate investigations found potential threats; one additional investigation is ongoing. Prior to the Trump Administration, the last time a president imposed tariffs or other trade restrictions under Section 232 was in 1986, based on a 1983 investigation into imports of machine tools. Recent action under Section 232 has generated active debate in Congress and at the multilateral level, including legislative initiatives to amend the congressional delegation of authority under Section 232 to the President. Section 232 Process Section 232 allows any department, agency head, or any interested party to request the Department of Commerce (Commerce) to initiate an investigation to ascertain the effect of specific imports on the national security of the United States. Commerce may self-initiate an investigation. Investigation. Once a Section 232 investigation is requested in writing, Commerce must immediately initiate an appropriate investigation to determine the effects on the national security of the subject imports. After consulting with the Secretary of Defense, other appropriate officers of the United States, and the public, if appropriate, Commerce has 270 days from the initiation date to prepare a report advising the President whether the targeted product is being imported in certain quantities or under such circumstances to impair U.S. national security, and to provide recommendations based on the findings. The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) at Commerce conducts the investigation based on federal regulations codified in 15 CFR § 705 (Effect of Imported Articles on the National Security). In terms of national security, Commerce considers: (1) existing domestic production of the product; (2) future capacity needs; (3) the manpower, raw materials, production equipment, facilities, and other supplies needed to meet projected national defense requirements; (4) growth requirements, including the investment, exploration, and development to meet them; and (5) any other relevant factors. Regarding the subject imports, Commerce must consider: (1) the impact of foreign competition on the domestic industry deemed essential for national security; (2) the effects that the displacement of domestic products cause, including substantial unemployment, decreases in public revenue, loss of investment, special skills, or production capacity; and (3) any other relevant factors that are causing, or will cause a weakening in the national economy. Commerce may request public comments or hold hearings, Updated July 16, 2019 if appropriate. An Executive Summary of the final report (excluding any confidential or classified material) must be published in the Federal Register. Presidential Action and Notification. If Commerce finds in the negative, Commerce informs the President and no further action is required. If Commerce determines in the affirmative, the President, upon receipt of the report, has 90 days to (1) determine whether he concurs with its findings; and (2) if so, determine the nature and duration of the action to be taken to adjust the subject imports. The President may decide to impose tariffs or quotas to offset the adverse effect, without any limits on the duration of tariff or quota amounts, or take other action. The President may exclude specific product categories, countries, or provide other exemptions. After making a determination, the President must implement the action within 15 days, and submit a written statement to Congress explaining the actions or inaction within 30 days. The President must also publish his determination in the Federal Register. Figure I. Section 232 Investigation Process Investigation requested. Secretary of Commerce investigates. Investigation includes consultation with DOD and may include others. 270 days Secretary of Commerce reports findings and recommendations to the President. ltfindings flndngsare are negarke no af rati furtheracion 90 days required President decides whether to accept findings and recommendations. 30days President implements action (if any). President Informs Congress. Source: CRS graphic based on 19 U.S.C. § 1862. Prior Section 232 Actions Prior to the Trump Administration, 26 Section 232 national security investigations were initiated, beginning in 1963. Previous investigations of manufactured goods were more tightly focused on specific products, including antifriction bearings and gears and gearing products. Of the 26 cases initiated (excluding Trump Administration investigations), Commerce made negative determinations 62% of the time. Prior to 2018, when Commerce made positive determinations, the President recommended action six times (Figure 2). In one case, the President sought voluntary restraint agreements. Five positive determinations and actions were related to petroleum products or crude oil: one https://crsreports.congressge

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