The U.S. Federal Communications Commission banned imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters on Tuesday, citing national security threats. The sweeping restrictions target Chinese manufacturers that currently dominate global markets, raising diplomatic tensions ahead of a planned summit between leaders from both nations.
The United States cut off its largest export market for foreign androids on Tuesday as the Trump administration moved to restrict reliance on overseas technology. The Federal Communications Commission added advanced robotic devices and connected power inverters to its Foxbusiness, making new models ineligible for equipment authorization.
Federal Communications Commission Cites National Security and Cybersecurity Risks
The regulatory action followed a national security determination issued on Monday by an interagency body convened by the White House. U.S. officials warned that internet-connected machines could expose critical infrastructure to cyberattacks or foreign surveillance.
These devices could create supply chain vulnerabilities that could disrupt U.S. economic and national security and could create a cybersecurity risk that threatened American critical infrastructure,
the Federal Communications Commission said in a statement.
According to the regulatory determination, internet-connected systems can collect data that could be leveraged by malign actors to surveil Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or to remotely commandeer the robots,
as noted by regulatory agencies. The restrictions cover mobile robots, including humanoids and animal-like quadrupeds, alongside power inverters that connect renewable energy resources and batteries to electrical grids.
Impact on Chinese Robotics Manufacturers and Market Dominance
Chinese manufacturers supply the vast majority of the world’s humanoid robots, holding an estimated 85% of the global market share. Industry analysts note that Chinese firms have scaled production and reduced costs faster than overseas competitors.
Technology research firm Omdia reported that two of China’s largest advanced robotics companies, Unitree and AGIBOT, each shipped more than 5,000 humanoid robots in 2025 alone. In contrast, U.S. competitors such as Tesla and Figure AI shipped a few hundred or less during the same period.
Despite the restriction, some market observers expect the direct impact on major producers to remain manageable.
Diplomatic Repercussions Ahead of the Planned September Summit
The federal order arrives less than two months before a planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in September. Analysts suggest the technology curbs add to a growing list of friction points between Washington and Beijing.
It’s a steady drumbeat of potential flashpoints heading into the Trump-Xi summit planned for September,
said Samm Sacks, a senior fellow at the New America think tank focused on Chinese technology policies.
China’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the measure. A ministry spokesperson stated that Beijing opposes the action, accusing Washington of overstretching the concept of national security to suppress Chinese companies. The Chinese embassy in Washington warned that the government will take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of its businesses.
Regulatory Exemptions and Scope of the Covered List Additions
The new prohibitions apply strictly to product models seeking future FCC equipment authorization. Devices already owned by consumers and products previously approved by the commission remain unaffected, though the agency retains authority to revoke prior sales authorizations.
Previous restrictions placed on foreign drones were cited as a potential catalyst for the domestic robotics ecosystem.
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