President Donald J. Trump directed U.S. officials to negotiate over robotics and industrial machinery imports, keeping potential trade restrictions in reserve as the White House cites domestic production gaps and security concerns.
The proclamation says the United States relies on imports for most types of robotics and industrial machinery, while overall production of robotics and industrial equipment falls short of consumption. It says import values have risen over the past decade and are expected to continue increasing. The White House also cites cybersecurity concerns involving some foreign-sourced equipment and describes the machinery as relevant to manufacturing, defense systems and critical infrastructure.
The document cites about $7.1 trillion in manufactured-goods shipments in 2024 and approximately $86 billion worth of equipment produced that year. International Federation of Robotics figures show the United States installed nearly 38,500 industrial robots in 2025, up 12% from 2024. EconoTimes previously covered the U.S. robot installation figures.
Signed Oct. 28, the proclamation invokes Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. It assigns the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to handle negotiations with trading partners, including any discussions already underway.
The document sets no duty rate. After assessing the talks, Trump may consider import measures or incentives intended to encourage production in the United States.
The White House fact sheet points to Trump's earlier Section 232 actions involving steel and aluminum as precedent. Trump also issued a directive on wind-turbine imports Oct. 22, ordering trade talks while leaving possible measures open, as described in EconoTimes' earlier report.
The DOC secretary and USTR must report progress to Trump within 180 days. The commerce secretary must also monitor imports and notify the president if, in the secretary's judgment, circumstances indicate a possible need for further action. The proclamation is scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on Nov. 2.
