The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a ban on the importation of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters due to national security concerns, particularly targeting China. Beijing has swiftly criticized the U.S., labeling the move as protectionist. These restrictions are likely to strain relations with China as Chinese leader Xi Jinping plans a visit to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in September. With China holding an estimated 85% share in the global market for humanoid robots, the FCC’s ban also extends to quadruped robots, popularly known as four-legged robot dogs, citing cybersecurity and national security risks posed by advanced robot imports. The offshore production of such equipment also exposes U.S. supply chains to vulnerabilities.
Additionally, the ban on power inverters, crucial for converting direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) in renewable energy systems, data centers, and household appliances, could have significant implications. FCC Chair Brendan Carr emphasized that these measures aim to safeguard America’s critical supply chains and apply to the importation of “new versions” of such products.
The FCC’s latest bans align with a series of U.S. restrictions on Chinese imports, including drones, and limitations on the export of advanced U.S. technology to China. The U.S. is contemplating controls on the utilization of Chinese open-source artificial intelligence models at a time when Chinese AI is rapidly advancing. Analysts anticipate potential challenges leading up to the Trump-Xi summit in September, with Samm Sacks from the New America think-tank highlighting the mounting tensions.
China’s expanding use of robots, backed by supportive technology policies, is evident in the market growth forecasts by Morgan Stanley, projecting a $15 billion US market for humanoids by 2030. Analysts note that Chinese manufacturers have been rapidly scaling production and reducing costs, surpassing overseas competitors. While restricting U.S. market access may shield local developers from price competition, it is unlikely to hinder China’s overall humanoid development due to its robust domestic manufacturing base and export opportunities.
Amid these developments, Unitree and AGIBOT, leading Chinese robotics companies, have significantly outpaced their U.S. counterparts like Tesla and Figure AI in global shipments of humanoid robots in 2025, as reported by technology research and advisory group Omdia. Regarding the power inverter restrictions, Morningstar analyst Cheng Wang anticipates limited pressure on U.S. markets, clarifying that existing devices and previously approved Chinese models can continue unaffected.
China has strongly condemned the U.S. actions, asserting that Washington is exploiting national security to suppress Chinese businesses, vowing to take necessary measures to protect their interests. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson criticized protectionism, warning of negative implications for U.S. companies and consumers. Potential disruptions in U.S.-Chinese technology collaborations have been highlighted by analysts, such as the recent humanoid robot reference design unveiled by Nvidia, incorporating China’s Unitree chassis. The Pentagon’s inclusion of Unitree and other Chinese tech firms on a list allegedly linked to the Chinese military has further strained relations, with Beijing refuting these claims.