US starts probe into imported planes, parts

The Trump administration has started an investigation into the import of commercial aircraft, jet engines and related parts that could lead to new tariffs on top of the many it has already put in place.

According to a federal notice posted online Friday, commerce secretary Howard Lutnick started the investigation on May 1 under a provision of the Trade Expansion Act, which allows the president to impose tariffs on foreign products in the interest of national security.

The commerce department will seek industry input on demand for aircraft, engines and parts and whether that could be fulfilled domestically; the role that foreign suppliers in the market etc.