Trump Administration Considers New Tariffs on Robotics, Medical Devices, and Key industrial Goods
WASHINGTON – September 25, 2025 – The Trump administration is signaling a potential expansion of tariffs to include a range of critical sectors, including robotics, medical devices, and essential industrial components like machinery, possibly escalating trade tensions and raising costs for American hospitals and manufacturers. The move comes as the administration continues national security investigations into supply chain vulnerabilities, notably concerning reliance on overseas sources.
The White house announced July 2025 that it is examining the national security implications of imports of copper, steel, and aluminum. Investigations are also underway regarding pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients, semiconductors, silicon wafers, chipmaking equipment, and related downstream products, according to a Federal Register notice published June 2025.
Thes sector-specific probes could result in new duties layered on top of existing country-specific tariffs implemented under President Trump’s previous trade policies. However, agreements with the European Union and Japan may offer some protection from these additional levies.
A notable focus of the new potential tariffs is machinery, where the U.S. is heavily dependent on Mexico and China. Data from the U.S. international Trade Commission shows that imports from Mexico and China accounted for more than 18% and 17%, respectively, of total U.S. machinery purchases in 2023.
The automotive industry is particularly vulnerable, as it represents the largest consumer of industrial robots. In 2024,13,747 industrial robots were installed in the U.S. auto industry, according to the International Federation of Robotics. The vast majority of these robots are imported, with limited domestic manufacturing capacity.
Concerns are also mounting over the potential impact on healthcare. New tariffs on medical devices and protective gear could considerably increase costs for hospitals and patients, potentially limiting access to critical equipment and care.
“MedTech supply chain leaders are already reporting supply chain concerns, and we cannot afford to drive up the cost of health care for patients, or on the health care system,” stated Scott whitaker, CEO of AdvaMed, the trade group representing medical technology and device makers. “The reality is, any increased costs will be largely borne by taxpayer-funded health programs like Medicare, Medicaid and the [Veterans Health Administration].”
Hospital trade groups have echoed these concerns. Rick Pollack, CEO of the american Hospital Association, warned in April that “disruptions in the availability of these critical devices - many of which are sourced internationally – have the potential to disrupt patient care.”
The administration’s actions reflect a broader strategy of bolstering domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains, but critics warn that the tariffs could ultimately harm American businesses and consumers. The outcome of the ongoing investigations and any subsequent tariff decisions will be closely watched by industries across the U.S. economy.
