Trump signs proclamation on imports of robotics and industrial machinery: negotiations instead of tariffs, report in 180 days
Prepared by Sintelligent with the help of SI. Published in SI: . Updated: .
The U.S. government has called robot imports a national security matter, but for now it is allowing time for negotiations instead of immediate tariffs.
The proclamation was signed on October 28 under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and covers robotics, industrial machinery, and their parts and components. The Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative are directed to negotiate jointly with trading partners; the first report on the progress of the talks is due within 180 days. If no agreement is reached within 180 days, is not carried out, or is ineffective, the president reserves the option of imposing duties, fees and quotas. In its justification the White House writes that the equipment is "indispensable to virtually all modern manufacturing, including for defense, commercial, and dual-use purposes," and that the United States produces less robotics and industrial equipment than it consumes.
Sources 2