The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has implemented a ban on the importation of new foreign-produced humanoid robots and power inverters due to national security concerns, specifically targeting China. In response, Beijing swiftly accused the U.S. of engaging in protectionist measures. These actions are expected to strain relations with Beijing, particularly with Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s scheduled visit to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in September. China currently holds a dominant position in the global humanoid robot market, boasting an estimated market share of approximately 85%.
The FCC’s prohibition also extends to new imports of quadruped robots, commonly known as four-legged robot dogs. The agency cited cybersecurity and other national security risks associated with the importation of advanced robots. The reliance on foreign production for such equipment also exposes U.S. supply chains to potential disruptions.
Additionally, the ban on power inverters, devices used to convert direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, which are utilized in renewable energy systems, data centers, and household appliances, could have far-reaching implications. FCC Chair Brendan Carr stated that the objective of the ban is to safeguard America’s critical supply chains, applying specifically to “new versions” of these imports.
Following a series of restrictions on Chinese imports and exports of advanced technology, the FCC’s bans align with the U.S. government’s strategy. There are considerations for controlling the use of Chinese open-source artificial intelligence models as Chinese AI technologies continue to advance. This series of actions could lead to potential points of contention leading up to the Trump-Xi summit in September.
China has been rapidly expanding its utilization of robots, supported by favorable policies for its technology sector. Analysts at Morgan Stanley predict that the humanoid robot market in China could reach $15 billion US by 2030. Despite the restrictions limiting Chinese manufacturers’ access to the U.S. market, it is unlikely to significantly impede China’s overall humanoid development given its robust domestic manufacturing capabilities and opportunities in other export markets.
Of the approximately 15,000 humanoid robots shipped globally in 2025, major Chinese robotics companies Unitree and AGIBOT each shipped over 5,000 units, while their U.S. counterparts such as Tesla and Figure AI shipped a few hundred or fewer, as reported by technology research firm Omdia. Regarding the power inverter restrictions, Morningstar analyst Cheng Wang mentioned that the impact on U.S. markets should be minimal, as existing devices can continue to be used, and previously approved models from Chinese companies remain unaffected.
China has vowed to respond to the U.S. measures, criticizing Washington for stretching the national security concept to suppress Chinese enterprises. The Chinese Foreign Ministry asserted that China will take all necessary steps to protect the legitimate rights and interests of its businesses, cautioning that protectionism is detrimental to U.S. competitiveness, and it will adversely affect American companies and consumers. These new bans may potentially disrupt collaborations between U.S. and Chinese tech firms, as highlighted by Omdia’s chief analyst Lian Jye Su. For instance, Nvidia recently unveiled a humanoid robot reference design utilizing China’s Unitree chassis.
The Pentagon’s inclusion of Unitree and other Chinese tech companies on a list of firms allegedly linked to the Chinese military has further complicated the relationship between the two nations. Beijing has refuted these allegations, emphasizing its commitment to peaceful technological advancement.