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The U.S. just shut the door on an industry China has spent years building up. The Federal Communications Commission has banned imports of new foreign-made humanoid and four-legged robots, along with certain power inverters, citing national security risks. The move targets China, the industry’s dominant supplier, and arrives weeks before a planned Trump-Xi meeting in September. Beijing has already called the decision protectionist.
What the New Restrictions Actually Cover
The ban only covers new imports going forward. Anything already sold or in use in the US stays exactly as is, and retailers can still bring in models the FCC has already cleared. The restrictions stretch beyond humanoids too, covering four-legged robots often called robot dogs, plus power inverters that turn direct current into alternating current for renewable energy systems, data centers and household appliances.
Officials Point to Cybersecurity Risks
The FCC’s filing warned that these devices leave American infrastructure exposed to cybersecurity threats and could destabilize supply chains tied to national and economic security. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr framed the decision as part of a broader push to shield US industries that rely on those supply chains. It’s the latest such move, following a December ban on foreign drones that pushed Chinese maker DJI out of the US market.
China Builds the Vast Majority of the World’s Humanoid Robots
China’s lead comes down to volume. Global humanoid robot shipments totaled roughly 15,000 units in 2025, and two Chinese firms, Unitree and AGIBOT, each accounted for more than 5,000 of them, per Omdia data. By comparison, Tesla and Figure AI, the leading US names, shipped only a few hundred units apiece. CNN reports China now hosts over 140 robot manufacturers, capturing about 90% of the global market.
A Key US Partnership Sits in the Middle
American and Chinese robotics firms now find themselves in a complicated position. In June, Nvidia unveiled a humanoid robot reference design built on the chassis of China’s Unitree, and the two companies agreed to collaborate on research and development. That same month, the Pentagon placed Unitree on a list of Chinese firms it links to the country’s military, blocking it from Defense Department contracts. China disputes any such military connection.
Top Robot Makers Face Fallout at a Sensitive Moment
Counterpoint Research measures installations rather than shipment volume. By that gauge, Agibot, Unitree and UBTech ranked as last year’s three largest players, well ahead of Tesla’s Optimus in fifth. Unitree and Agibot are now pursuing public listings, and UBTech, traded in Hong Kong, saw its stock drop over 6% on Thursday. Counterpoint’s Marc Einstein called it a tough moment for companies preparing IPOs.
Beijing Signals It Won’t Back Down
Beijing’s commerce ministry accused the FCC of disregarding China’s measured response to earlier disputes. It called the latest action a serious blow to the broader economic relationship and pressed Washington to reconsider. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning argued that such restrictions backfire on American businesses and shoppers. Einstein pointed to leverage China could use in response, from tightening rare earth exports to restricting access for firms like Tesla and Nvidia.
The Dispute Sits Inside a Bigger Tech Standoff
The robot ban isn’t an isolated move. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in July that the US could sanction China over the alleged theft of AI models, part of a wider standoff over emerging technology between the two countries. About a week later, Trump himself signaled Thursday that Washington might soften its approach to AI restrictions instead, in order to protect America’s competitive edge.
Analysts Expect Limited Long-Term Fallout
Most analysts don’t expect lasting damage. Omdia’s Lian Jye Su said years of escalating tension left Chinese manufacturers with realistic expectations about US access, and many have already turned their focus toward Europe instead. On the ground, Robostore, which distributes Chinese humanoid robots across North America, is adjusting too. Its CEO, Teddy Haggerty, said the company has been building out its domestic footprint, though he did not elaborate further.
Robots Remain a Growth Market Either Way
The industry’s overall trajectory still points upward. Morgan Stanley expects China’s domestic humanoid robot market to reach $15 billion by 2030 on its own. Morningstar’s Kangyuxiao Li said the US ban shields American developers from cheaper Chinese competition in one market. But with China’s manufacturing base and other buyers abroad, it’s unlikely to meaningfully slow the country’s growth in the sector overall.