Section 232 falls under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and is in place to determine if certain imports threaten the national security of the United States. If they do, Section 232 allows for tariffs or other fees to be imposed, adjusting trade flows for these goods and services. Before tariffs can be enacted, however, an investigation must take place under the authority of the Secretary of Commerce. Upon reviewing the report, the President has the authority to take action to modify or adjust the specified imports through tariffs or quotas.
