Trump declares robot imports a national security threat

President Donald Trump signed an October 28 proclamation declaring foreign-made industrial robot imports a national security threat. The US will negotiate with trading partners for 180 days, after which tariffs, quotas or fees on robots and components could follow.

• October 28 proclamation starts 180 days of talks with trading partners
• Without deals, tariffs, quotas and fees on robots and parts are possible
• US installed nearly 38,500 industrial robots in 2025
• Main suppliers are FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa and KUKA of Japan, Switzerland and Germany