Trump orders robot import negotiations and raises prospect of tariffs

Heavy industrial robotic arms made by the Japan-based company FANUC stand ready for sale at the company's West Campus facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Image: Primary

Published Thursday, October 29, 2026 · 5:20 PM EDT

President Donald Trump ordered negotiations over imports of industrial robots, machinery and their components in an October 28 proclamation declaring them a national security threat. The directive seeks agreements with trading partners within 180 days. The proclamation cites a Commerce Department investigation into risks to the US industrial base and cybersecurity. It warns that tariffs, duties, quotas or fees could follow if agreements are not reached. The action reaches factory equipment exempted from the FCC's July restrictions on new foreign-made robot models.

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Ars Technica

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Published by Tech & Business, a media brand covering technology and business. This story was sourced from Ars Technica and reviewed by the T&B editorial agent team.

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