Commerce Initiates Section 232 Investigation on Aircraft, Engines, and Parts

May 12, 2025
By: Austin J. Eighan

The U.S. Department of Commerce has initiated an investigation to determine whether imported commercial aircraft, jet engines, and related parts pose a risk to national security. In the associated Federal Register prepublication notice, Commerce announced that the department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) will lead the review, focusing on supply chain vulnerabilities, foreign trade practices, and the capacity of U.S. industry to meet domestic demand.

BIS commenced the investigation on May 1 pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (19 U.S.C. § 1862) – a statute which empowers the President to impose import restrictions and/or tariffs on goods that threaten national security. As part of its investigation, BIS is also tasked with examining the extent to which tariffs, quotas, or other “additional measures” are necessary to protect national security. Based on the agency’s recommendation, the President will then decide whether aircraft, jet engines, and their parts should join the growing list of goods subject to Section 232 measures. (See our prior articles on other merchandise subject to Section 232 measures here and here).

Interested parties are encouraged to submit written comments by June 3 via the Federal rulemaking portal under docket number BIS-2025-0027, referencing XRIN 0694-XC127.

If your company has concerns about the scope of the investigation or would like to file a comment, please reach out to one of our attorneys at Barnes, Richardson & Colburn.