U.S. Blocks Market Access for Foreign-Made Humanoid Robots – A Direct Challenge to China
July 30, 08:45
On July 30, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) prohibited the import of new versions of sophisticated humanoid and four-legged robots, along with power inverters primarily sourced from China. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced that two new device categories were added to the Covered List, effectively barring their import or sale within the United States. This ban reflects the rising trade frictions between the two superpowers in the technology sector. Notably, the restriction applies only to new imports and does not affect previously approved equipment.
Scope and Implications of the Import Ban
The banned items include:
- advanced humanoid robotic devices;
- four-legged (quadruped) robots;
- power inverters used in data centers and solar energy systems.
According to research firm Omdia, Chinese companies—AgiBot, Unitree, UBTech, Leju Robotics, Engine AI, and Fourier Intelligence—collectively accounted for 87% of global humanoid robot shipments in 2025. This decision gives U.S. manufacturers such as Figure AI, Agility Robotics, Apptronik, and 1X a protected market position. In response, Beijing has condemned the FCC's action, accusing Washington of politicizing trade, and has promised to take steps to defend its interests. These restrictions could significantly reshape the global robotics market, given China's dominant supply role.
This FCC ruling is part of a broader U.S. strategy aimed at safeguarding national interests in the technology sector and decreasing reliance on foreign suppliers.
The import restrictions may spur domestic innovation and job creation in robotics, while simultaneously intensifying trade conflicts between the U.S. and China, with potential repercussions for the global economic order.
As the U.S. tightens its grip on imports of advanced robotics, the global landscape of AI competition is also evolving. The implications of these trade restrictions resonate beyond just robotics, reflecting a larger shift in how nations approach technological dominance. To understand the broader context of these changes and how China is redefining global competition in AI, explore our detailed analysis on China's influence on AI market dynamics.