On March 4, 2019, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that it would be conducting a Section 232 investigation on imports of titanium sponge. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross stated that the investigation will be looking into whether or not the “quantity or circumstances” of the imports are a threat to national security.

In a press release issued by the Department of Commerce, Secretary Ross stated, “Titanium sponge has uses in a wide range of defense applications, from helicopter blades and tank armor to fighter jet airframes and engines.”

Commerce must submit its report, along with any recommendations, to the President within 270 days after initiation, which will fall on November 29, 2019. After that date, the President will have 90 days to make his determination.

This will be the fifth investigation under the Trump administration pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The administration has launched previous Section 232 investigations concerning steel, aluminum, uranium, and auto parts.