Global Markets
Home›Global Markets›Trade & Tariffs›US bans imports of new Chinese robots and power invert…
US bans imports of new Chinese robots and power inverters
The order follows findings from a White House task force and adds humanoid robots, quadrupeds, and power inverters to the list of restricted imports.
The US has moved to restrict imports of certain Chinese-made robotics and related equipment, a step framed by US regulators as a technology security measure. According to SCMP Economy, FCC chair Brendan Carr referenced work from a White House task force when announcing additions to the list, including foreign-made humanoid robots and quadrupeds, as well as power inverters.
The article says the restriction also includes a notable carveout, exempting the federal government, which may continue purchasing machines deemed too risky for ordinary citizens. SCMP Economy argues that this approach effectively limits the perceived threat to the private sector while leaving government procurement available.
SCMP Economy highlights the economic backdrop, saying Chinese manufacturers account for roughly 85 percent of the global humanoid market and that the US has limited existing domestic capacity to replace the restricted supply. The outlet also compares the policy to earlier solar import barriers, noting that while the US imposed anti-dumping duties in 2012, China later grew to control more than 80 percent of every stage of global solar panel manufacturing.
The piece quotes Evan Beard, CEO of Standard Bots, who called the order among the strongest technology security actions in modern US history and said foreign-subsidised robots should not end up dominating the domestic market. SCMP Economy also contends that, despite a security rationale, the policy functions like a tariff in effect, because it blocks Chinese machines from ordinary American buyers.