Press Release

From: DOC Public Affairs
Sent: Monday, May 4, 2020 4:07 PM
To: Matthew Borman
Subject: U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross to Initiate Section 232 Investigation into Imports of
Laminations and Wound Cores for Incorporation into Transformers, Electrical Transformers, and
Transformer Regulators

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U.S. Secretar y of Commerc e Wilbur Ross announc ed he will i nitiate an i nvestigati on into whether l aminati ons for stac ked c ores

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 4, 2020
News Media Contact:
Office of Public Affairs, 202-482-4883

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross to Initiate Section 232 Investigation into Imports of
Laminations and Wound Cores for Incorporation into Transformers, Electrical Transformers,
and Transformer Regulators
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced he will initiate an
investigation into whether laminations for stacked cores for incorporation into transformers, stacked
and wound cores for incorporation into transformers, electrical transformers, and transformer
regulators are being imported into the United States in such quantities or under such circumstances as
to threaten to impair the national security. The decision to launch an investigation under Section 232 of
the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, follows inquiries and requests from multiple members
of Congress as well as industry stakeholders. As required by law, Secretary Ross will send a letter to
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper informing him of the investigation. Secretary Ross will also notify
other relevant executive branch officials.
“The Department of Commerce will conduct a thorough, fair, and transparent review to determine the
effects on the national security from imports of laminations for stacked cores for incorporation into
transformers, stacked and wound cores for incorporation into transformers, electrical transformers, and
transformer regulators,” said Secretary Ross.
Transformers are part of the U.S. energy infrastructure. Laminations and cores made of grain-oriented
electrical steel are critical transformer components. Electrical steel is necessary for power distribution
transformers for all types of energy – including solar, nuclear, wind, coal, and natural gas – across the
country. An assured domestic supply of these products enables the United States to respond to large

power disruptions affecting civilian populations, critical infrastructure, and U.S. defense industrial
production capabilities.
The investigation, to be conducted by the Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security, will provide
the opportunity for public comment. A notice will be published shortly in the Federal Register.
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