Trump Orders USTR to Seek Talks on Robot and Industrial Machinery Imports

U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed the U.S. Trade Representative and the Commerce Secretary to open negotiations on robots and industrial machinery, citing national security concerns. The executive order directs the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to pursue agreements with trading partners.

The order says the talks should address “threats to national security that may be caused by imports of robots and industrial machinery and their parts from any country.” It does not impose immediate measures, but it frames the negotiations as a way to manage risks tied to reliance on foreign suppliers in advanced manufacturing.

Trump may also consider other remedies in the future, including imposing or modifying tariffs, taxes, quotas and fees. The order adds that his administration could develop plans to encourage new investment in U.S. production of robots, industrial machinery and components.

The directive places robotics and industrial equipment within a broader trade and security agenda, suggesting the sector could face more scrutiny as Washington reviews import dependence and domestic capacity. The move comes as governments increasingly treat critical technologies and manufacturing equipment as strategic assets.