Trump launches negotiations on imported robots and industrial machinery

On October 28, 2026, Donald Trump called for negotiations to be opened or continued with US trading partners on imported robots and industrial machinery. The president considers these imports a threat to national security, following a Department of Commerce investigation. His proclamation creates no new tariffs, quotas or fees.

The decision is based on Section 232 of a 1962 US trade law. This provision allows the president to act on imports following an investigation into their effects on national security. Existing tariffs or separate measures may continue to apply to the products concerned.

The Department of Commerce investigation began on September 2, 2025. The federal notice published on September 26 covers robots, industrial machinery and their components, including computer numerical control machine tools, presses and cutting equipment. Uncrewed aircraft are covered by a separate investigation.

The White House estimates that the United States produces less of this equipment than it consumes and depends on imports for most types of equipment concerned. The administration also says that some machines from foreign suppliers process and store sensitive data, creating cybersecurity risks.

These machines are used to automate industrial production, including in defense-related activities. Dependence on imports therefore affects the supply of equipment for these activities. The negotiations Trump called for are a first step, while the proclamation leaves open the possibility of measures such as tariffs, quotas or incentives for American production.

The secretary of commerce and the US trade representative must report on the status or outcome of the negotiations within 180 days. The proclamation specifies no target countries or precise rates and does not require waiting until this checkpoint to decide on other measures.