The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has announced a prohibition on the importation of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters, citing concerns over national security, with a specific focus on China. In response, Beijing has swiftly criticized the U.S. for engaging in protectionist policies. These actions are expected to strain relations with Beijing as Chinese leader Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit U.S. President Donald Trump in September. China currently holds a dominant position in the global market for humanoid robots, accounting for approximately 85% of the market share.
The FCC’s ban extends to the importation of quadruped robots, commonly known as four-legged robot dogs. The agency has stated that the introduction of advanced robots poses risks related to cybersecurity and other national security aspects. Furthermore, offshore production of such equipment 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 consequences. FCC chair Brendan Carr emphasized that the decision aims to safeguard critical supply chains in America, applying to the importation of “new versions” of these products.
This move by the FCC follows a series of restrictions imposed by the U.S. on Chinese imports, including drones, as well as controls on the export of advanced U.S. technology to China. There is also consideration of regulating the use of Chinese open-source artificial intelligence models, particularly as Chinese AI continues to advance rapidly.
China’s expansion of robotic applications, supported by favorable technology policies, has been significant. Analysts at Morgan Stanley project that the market for humanoid robots in China may reach $15 billion US by 2030. While restricting access for Chinese manufacturers to the U.S. market may protect American developers from potential price competition, it is unlikely to significantly impede China’s overall progress in humanoid robot development due to its robust domestic manufacturing base and opportunities in other export markets.
According to Omdia, in 2025, around 15,000 humanoid robots were shipped globally, with Unitree and AGIBOT, two major Chinese robotics companies, each shipping over 5,000 units. In comparison, U.S. counterparts like Tesla and Figure AI shipped a few hundred or less. On the power inverter restrictions, Morningstar analyst Cheng Wang suggested that the impact on U.S. markets would be minimal, as the ban does not affect the ongoing use of existing devices or the sale of models previously approved by the United States.
China has strongly condemned the U.S. actions, accusing Washington of stretching the concept of national security to suppress Chinese companies. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has vowed to take all necessary measures to defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses, criticizing the U.S. for engaging in protectionism that could harm U.S. companies and consumers.
The latest bans may also disrupt collaborations between U.S. and Chinese technology firms, potentially affecting projects like Nvidia’s humanoid robot reference design, which utilizes the chassis of China’s Unitree. The Pentagon’s inclusion of Unitree and other Chinese technology companies on a list of entities with alleged ties to the Chinese military has further escalated tensions between the two nations.