U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security Section 232 Investigation on the Effect of Imports of Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) Permanent Magnets on the U.S. National Security

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Technology Evaluation, is conducting a survey and assessment of the U.S. NdFeB magnet industry. The resulting data will be used to support an ongoing investigation on the effect of imports of NdFeB magnets on the national security under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended. The investigation was self-initiated by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The investigation was initiated by Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and is based on a recommendation in the June 2021 White House Report “Building Resilient Supply Chains, Revitalizing American Manufacturing, and Fostering Broad-Based Growth: 100 Day Reviews under Executive Order 14017.” 

The principal goal of this survey is to assist BIS in determining whether NdFeB magnets are being imported into the United States in such quantities or under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security. The survey will also assist in determining the overall health and competitiveness of the industry in the United States. Information collected includes organizational data, facility information, current and prospective production, purchases and suppliers, sales and customers, employment, capital expenditures, R&D, intellectual property, recycling, and competition and challenges. The resulting data will provide BIS with information that is otherwise not available and needed to conduct its investigation. 

Your organization has been identified as a manufacturer and/or distributor of NdFeB magnets, a producer of components used in the production of NdFeB magnets, or an end-user of NdFeB magnets, with one or more facilities in the United States. Your participation in this survey is vital to ensure a comprehensive dataset for the assessment. BIS has worked in successful partnership with other U.S. industry sectors and we anticipate similar cooperation from your organization on this effort. 

To begin, download the Microsoft Excel-formatted survey and corresponding instructions by clicking on the hyperlinked documents below:

NdFeB Magnet Survey (Excel)*† │ NdFeB Magnet Survey (PDF)†

Complete and submit the Excel version via email to BIS at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. BIS will only accept Excel-formatted survey submissions. The PDF version is only a reference document for your organization's internal use and cannot be submitted in place of an Excel survey.

*Note 1: Save a copy of the Excel survey to your computer before you make any inputs.

†Note 2: If, when clicking on the above links, your computer does not ask if you want to download the file to your computer, right click on the link and select "Save As."

If you have any questions regarding the survey, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact BIS survey support staff at (202) 482-0194. E-mail is the preferred method of contact and will allow for a detailed response to your organization’s questions.

You are required by federal law (50 U.S.C. § 4555) to complete the survey within 30 days. All information submitted to BIS is protected as Business Confidential under provisions of the Defense Production Act (DPA) of 1950, as amended, and will not be published or disclosed, other than in aggregate form. At no time will such reporting identify your specific organization. Such information is also protected from disclosure from Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.