# Trump orders robot import negotiations and raises prospect of tariffs

_Published Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 5:20 PM EDT · Robotics, Policy · Latest · Tier 1 — Major_

![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. — Primary](https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/6k_quick_delivery_robots-1152x648.jpg)

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.

## Sources

- [Ars Technica](https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/10/trump-declares-robot-imports-a-national-security-threat/)

---
Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/KwWyaioheqmsQGhnKnAP8s
Published: 2026-10-29T21:20:48.246Z
Story chronology: 2026-10-28T00:00:00.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-10-29T23:40:11.830Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)