Commerce Extends Comments Period on Potential Section 232 Tariffs on Autos and Auto Parts

The Commerce Department extended the comments period by a week to June 29 on its recently launched Section 232 investigation into the national security effects of “imports of automobiles, including cars, SUVs, vans and light trucks, and automotive parts,” it said in a notice. The agency began the investigation into potential tariffs on May 24, amid reports that President Donald Trump wants a 25 percent tariff on cars and auto parts to counter the purported erosion of the U.S. auto industry by imports (see 1805240002). Rebuttal comments in connection with the investigation are due July 13. Commerce will hold a public hearing on the investigation July 19-20 in Washington, with requests to participate also due June 29.