ASE Joins Letter to Department of Commerce Regarding Section 232 Investigation of Medical Equipment and Device Import

On October 16, the American Society of Echocardiography joined a dozen other cardiovascular and patient advocacy organizations in a letter to Secretary Lutnick and the Bureau of Industry and Security opposing potential tariffs under the Section 232 Investigation on Imports of Medical Equipment (XRIN 0694-XC134). The letter warns that tariffs on medical devices would raise healthcare costs, disrupt supply chains for cardiovascular technologies including artificial valves and diagnostic equipment, and delay access to lifesaving care for heart valve disease patients. The organizations emphasized that FDA-regulated medical technologies require years of review for production changes, making tariff-induced disruptions particularly dangerous for patients facing time-sensitive or life-threatening conditions.