Trump calls robot imports security risk, delays tariffs

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday, October 28, agreeing with a Commerce Department finding that imported robotics, industrial machinery and their parts threaten U.S. national security. He did not impose any tariffs. He instead told trade officials to negotiate with foreign partners, and left the option of duties open for later.whitehouse.gov

U.S. manufacturers depend on foreign suppliers for most types of robots and industrial machines, so the decision spares them from new costs for now. Reuters reported that it keeps the threat of tariffs in place if the talks with trading partners fall short.reuters.com

Talks first, tariffs possible later

The proclamation tells the Commerce secretary and the U.S. Trade Representative to jointly pursue agreements with any trading partner they choose, and to report on progress within 180 days. Depending on how the talks go, Trump said he may later consider tariffs, duties, quotas and fees. He could also set up a program to encourage new U.S. production of robotics and machinery. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will lead the negotiations, according to Bloomberg.news.bloomberglaw.com+1

Under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the president can take further action if an agreement is not reached within 180 days, is not carried out, or does not work. Commerce will keep monitoring imports and will tell the president if more steps seem needed.whitehouse.gov+1

The security case

The White House said nearly all modern defense systems and critical infrastructure sectors rely on robotics or industrial machinery. It also said the U.S. produces less of this equipment than it consumes, despite a recent wave of factory investment. The proclamation pointed to the machines' role in making missiles, aircraft and naval vessels. It also pointed to cybersecurity risks, because the equipment handles and stores sensitive data.biz.heraldcorp.com+1

A probe more than a year in the making

Trump opened the investigation in September 2025. It covered computer-controlled mechanical systems, industrial stamping and pressing machines, machine tools for cutting and welding, autoclaves, industrial ovens, and laser and water-cutting equipment.reuters.com

The decision comes after other moves against foreign robotics. In July, the Federal Communications Commission barred imports of new models of Chinese robots and power inverters. The FCC warned that robots "collect data that could be leveraged by malign actors to surveil Americans" or "to remotely commandeer the robots". The administration has already used Section 232 to put tariffs on steel, aluminum and automobiles. Whether robots and machinery join that list will depend on the next six months of talks.biz.heraldcorp.com+1