The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced Tuesday that it will prohibit the import of foreign-manufactured humanoid robots, a decision widely viewed as targeting China due to concerns over national security.
The measure is expected to add pressure to U.S.-China relations as competition in advanced robotics continues to intensify. China currently dominates the global humanoid robot industry, accounting for an estimated 85% of the worldwide market, far ahead of the United States and other competitors.
The restrictions cover newly imported humanoid robots, quadruped robots—commonly known as robot dogs—and foreign-made power inverters.
According to the FCC, these products could expose the United States to supply chain risks while also creating cybersecurity and broader national security vulnerabilities. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the policy is intended to strengthen and protect America's critical supply chains.
The latest move follows a series of U.S. actions aimed at limiting the presence of Chinese technology, including bans on Chinese-made drones and discussions about restricting Chinese open-source artificial intelligence models as China's AI capabilities continue to expand.
Samm Sacks, a senior fellow at the New America think tank specializing in Chinese technology policy, described the decision as another source of tension ahead of the planned September meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The summit is expected to follow their mid-May discussions in Beijing.
Industry data from Barclays shows that China was responsible for approximately 85% of global humanoid robot deployments last year, supported by strong government investment and favorable industrial policies. Morgan Stanley projects China's humanoid robotics market could grow to $15 billion by 2030.
Morningstar analyst Kangyuxiao Li noted that Chinese manufacturers have rapidly increased production while lowering costs more effectively than many international rivals. He said restricting access to the U.S. market could shield American companies from lower-priced competition, but it is unlikely to significantly slow China's progress due to its large domestic market and growing export opportunities elsewhere.
Research firm Omdia reported that about 15,000 humanoid robots were shipped worldwide in 2025. Chinese companies Unitree and AGIBOT each delivered more than 5,000 units, whereas U.S. firms such as Tesla and Figure AI shipped only a few hundred robots or fewer.
Omdia also noted that China is increasingly focusing on Europe as a major destination for its advanced robotics exports, including humanoid robots.
Chinese officials have consistently defended the country's technological growth, arguing that it offers global benefits rather than posing a threat, despite concerns in countries such as the United States about the potential economic impact of a new wave of Chinese industrial expansion.
Analysts believe the U.S. restrictions could also complicate partnerships between American and Chinese technology companies. For example, Nvidia introduced a humanoid robot reference design in June that incorporates the chassis of Chinese robotics company Unitree.
Recently, the Pentagon added Unitree to a list of Chinese firms it claims have connections to or support China's military. Beijing has rejected the allegation and said it strongly opposes the designation.