U.S. Moves to Check China in Robotics After AI... Lutnick: "Investigating Imports"

Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, stated during a closed-door meeting with major corporate executives on the 22nd (local time) that the Department of Commerce is conducting an investigation into robot imports and may take strong measures once the investigation is complete, according to a report by U.S. political media outlet Politico on the 23rd. The outlet predicted that the U.S. will move to check China in the robotics sector as well, following artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors.

According to the meeting transcript obtained by Politico, Secretary Lutnick said, "We do not want a situation where (Chinese) robots subsidized by the state attack the United States. This is the competition that lies ahead," adding, "We need to make sure these robots are produced in the U.S., which is why we are conducting research on this now."

Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce. Photo by UPI Yonhap News

The United States is already imposing tariffs on Chinese-made robots. Attendees explained that Secretary Lutnick's remarks suggest the administration is considering additional measures. This means further sanctions beyond tariffs could be introduced.

According to sources, the U.S. administration views China's robotics industry as a national security threat. There are concerns that Chinese robots, backed by subsidies, could dominate the market before U.S. companies can reach a competitive scale.

According to U.S. administration officials and industry sources, the United States has already lost a significant portion of the manufacturing base needed for next-generation robot production, including machine tool and key component manufacturing capabilities. One meeting attendee emphasized the importance of localizing robotics, saying, "Ultimately, the idea of having American brains in Chinese bodies is a very flawed strategy."

The meeting was attended by executives from more than 12 companies, including SpaceX, Boston Dynamics, JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Siemens, and Rockwell Automation. A significant portion of the discussion focused on rebuilding industrial infrastructure, and company executives shared their views on funding bottlenecks, permitting delays, policies supporting plant construction, and investment incentives.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.