WASHINGTON — U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick privately warned business executives this week about what he described as the growing challenge posed by Chinese state-subsidized robotics imports, signaling that the Commerce Department is reviewing the issue and could pursue action after its assessment is completed, according to a report cited by Reuters.
During a closed-door meeting with corporate leaders on Monday, Lutnick said the department was studying whether imports of Chinese robotics products present economic or national security concerns, Politico reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the discussion. Reuters said it could not independently verify the report.
“We don’t want state subsidized robotics attacking us in America,” Politico quoted Lutnick as telling attendees. “This is the arms race that is coming — robotic arms are coming. We need to make sure they’re produced in America so we’re going to study those right now.”
The remarks represent the latest indication that the Trump administration is examining a broader range of Chinese technology imports beyond semiconductors and electric vehicles. According to the report, officials are increasingly focused on robotics as automation technologies become more widely deployed in manufacturing, logistics and other sectors.
Details of the Commerce Department’s review remain unclear, and officials have not publicly outlined what measures could result from the assessment. The department had not announced any new restrictions on Chinese robotics imports as of Thursday.
The discussion comes amid growing attention in Washington to Chinese advances in robotics. Earlier this month, bipartisan lawmakers introduced legislation known as the GUARD Act, which would require scrutiny of robots manufactured by China and other countries deemed foreign adversaries and could restrict imports determined to pose national security risks, according to a congressional statement.
Supporters of tighter controls argue that heavily subsidized Chinese robotics firms could gain a dominant position in key markets and increase U.S. dependence on foreign technology. Chinese officials and industry representatives have previously rejected similar concerns involving other technology sectors, arguing that trade restrictions unfairly target Chinese companies and disrupt international commerce. Details of any official response from Beijing to Lutnick’s latest comments were not immediately available.
Several major U.S. and international companies reportedly attended the private meeting, though the Commerce Department has not released an official list of participants.
As of June 25, the Commerce Department’s review was ongoing, and no timeline had been announced for its completion or for any potential policy action.
