US bans imports of new Chinese robots and power inverters
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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission banned imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters on Tuesday, citing national security risks in a move that targets China. The ban follows a series of U.S. restrictions on Chinese technology and complicates relations ahead of a planned meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in September. Beijing immediately accused Washington of protectionism.
FCC Restrictions
The FCC, led by chair Brendan Carr, announced the immediate ban on new imports of humanoid robots, quadruped robots, and power inverters. Carr stated the move aims to "secure America's critical supply chains" and guard against cybersecurity threats. The ban on power inverters, used in renewable energy systems and data centers, could have broad implications, though Morningstar analyst Cheng Wang said pressure on U.S. markets should be limited.
China's Market Control
China commands roughly 85% of the global humanoid robot market, with firms scaling production rapidly. In 2025, Unitree and AGIBOT each shipped over 5,000 units, while U.S. makers Tesla and Figure AI shipped a few hundred each, a 25-to-1 gap, according to Omdia. Beijing accused Washington of protectionism, and analyst Samm Sacks noted the ban adds to "a steady drumbeat of potential flashpoints" before the Trump-Xi summit. Despite the restrictions, Morningstar's Kangyuxiao Li said the ban will not materially slow China's development due to its large domestic base and other export markets.
What's Next
The Trump-Xi summit is planned for September, where the ban and broader technology tensions are likely to be discussed. It remains unclear whether the U.S. will impose further controls on Chinese AI models or other technologies, potentially escalating the trade conflict.
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US bans imports of new Chinese robots and power inverters
