White House / President·Trade
Trump finds imported robots and industrial machinery threaten national security, orders trade talks first and keeps tariffs as an option
In a proclamation signed Wednesday, President Trump agreed with the Commerce Secretary's Section 232 finding that imports of robotics, industrial machinery and their parts "threaten to impair the national security," noting the U.S. relies on foreign imports for most types and that some foreign-sourced machines pose cybersecurity risks. Instead of immediate tariffs, he directed the Commerce Secretary and U.S. Trade Representative to negotiate agreements with trading partners and report within 180 days. Depending on the results, he said he may consider tariffs, duties, quotas, fees or a program to encourage new U.S. production.
Sources
- The White HouseAdjusting Imports of Robotics, Industrial Machinery, and Their Parts and Components into the United States