Trump declares foreign-made robot imports a national security threat

President Donald Trump has declared imports of foreign-made factory robots a national security threat and ordered new United States negotiations with trading partners, while holding out the possibility of future tariffs on such imports. The October 28 proclamation increases scrutiny of foreign-made industrial robots and could complicate manufacturing operations for major US companies that rely on them.

Robots, machinery, and US manufacturing

The proclamation says industrial robots and machinery are crucial for producing US military weapon systems and are a driving force behind all critical infrastructure sectors within the US economy. The companies that could be affected include Detroit automakers General Motors and Ford, electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla, and aerospace and defense giants Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The directive calls for the United States and trading partners to adjust imports of robotics, industrial machinery, and their components, with the goal of striking new agreements within 180 days of the proclamation's date.

Commerce findings and FCC action

The proclamation cites an investigation under US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. That investigation found that US imports of such robots pose risks to the United States industrial base and threaten long-term competitiveness in a sector increasingly vital to national security. It also found unique security and safety risks that may introduce significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities with severe consequences for the United States. The wording echoes justifications used by the Federal Communications Commission when it banned new models of foreign-made robots, such as robotic vacuums, four-legged robot dogs, and humanoid robots, in July 2026. That FCC action had exempted industrial robot arms and other fixed or stationary robots commonly deployed in automotive factories and logistics warehouses.

Costs, supply, and possible next steps

If no agreements are reached within 180 days, the proclamation warns that the president may take additional actions, including tariffs, duties, quotas, and fees. Any tariffs or other fees would be paid by the US companies importing foreign-made robots, likely increasing the cost of US manufacturing operations. The United States has become the second largest market in using industrial robots, with the International Federation of Robotics reporting nearly 38,500 new US installations in 2025. Major automotive and aerospace companies often buy large robotic arms from FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, and KUKA, headquartered in Japan, Switzerland, and Germany. No US company currently offers comparable heavy-duty hardware for large industrial robotic arms, although those foreign makers have been expanding US engineering and assembly facilities. Amazon still uses some foreign-made robots, such as Japan's FANUC robotic arms, despite having ramped up in-house robot production and developed certain specialized robotic arms. The proclamation acknowledges that US robotics companies do not produce enough industrial robots to meet national security needs and that the United States relies on foreign imports for most types of robotics and industrial machinery and their components. If tariffs are imposed, that would fall short of restricting imports outright. Intel recently showed that major US companies can still get waivers from the Trump administration to continue using foreign-made robots even when a nominal ban is in place.

Sources: Ars Technica