Washington puts robotics imports on Section 232 clock

President Donald Trump has accepted Commerce’s Section 232 finding on robotics and industrial machinery imports, but imposed no duties yet and instead directed negotiations with trading partners.

• Proclamation 11077 (October 28, 2026) accepts that covered imports threaten U.S. national security; Commerce cited reliance on imports, insufficient domestic production, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities from foreign-sourced equipment.
• The Secretary of Commerce and USTR must report progress within 180 days (about April 26, 2027); if no effective agreement is reached, Section 232 allows the president to take further import-adjustment actions, including tariffs, duties, quotas, fees, or an incentive program.