AsianFin -- The Trump administration has launched investigations into imports of robotics, industrial machinery, and medical devices, signaling a possible expansion of its tariff program aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing.

The U.S. Department of Commerce said the probes are being conducted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, according to notices published in the Federal Register. The investigations officially began on September 2.

Section 232 grants the president authority to impose tariffs on goods deemed critical to national security. Under the law, the Commerce Department has 270 days to issue policy recommendations to the White House.

The newly announced inquiries broaden the range of sectors that could face import duties, as the administration seeks to incentivize U.S. production in key industrial areas by increasing the cost of foreign goods.