The Federal Communications Commission announced Tuesday it will ban imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots, quadruped robots, and power inverters, directly targeting Chinese manufacturers amid escalating tensions before the planned Trump-Xi summit in September. The move marks another flashpoint in the ongoing technology competition between Washington and Beijing.

What the Ban Covers

FCC Chairperson Brendan Carr said the restrictions apply to new versions of humanoid robots, four-legged robot dogs, and power inverters used in renewable energy systems, data centers, and household appliances. The agency cited cybersecurity risks and supply chain vulnerabilities as justification for the ban. Carr stated the measure aims to secure America’s critical supply chains against foreign threats. The ban does not affect existing devices already in use or previously approved models.

Power inverters convert direct current electricity into alternating current electricity, making them essential components across multiple industries. The restrictions could have widespread effects on renewable energy infrastructure and technology sectors that rely on these devices for daily operations.

China Dominates Robot Manufacturing

Chinese companies currently control the global humanoid robot market. In 2025, approximately 15,000 humanoid robots shipped worldwide. Unitree and AGIBOT, two Chinese robotics firms, each shipped more than 5,000 units. American competitors Tesla and Figure AI shipped only a few hundred units each, according to technology research group Omdia. Morgan Stanley analysts project China’s humanoid robot market could reach 15 billion dollars by 2030.

Samm Sacks, a senior fellow at the New America think tank, described the ban as part of a steady drumbeat of potential flashpoints heading into the September summit between former President Trump and Chinese President Xi. China has rapidly expanded robotics use through government policies supporting its technology sector.

Beijing Fires Back

China’s Foreign Ministry immediately condemned the American action, accusing Washington of stretching national security concerns to suppress Chinese companies. Beijing promised to take all measures necessary to defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses. The ministry stated that protectionism will not make the United States more competitive.

Morningstar analyst Kangyuxiao Li said the ban removes an important future market for Chinese manufacturers and shields American developers from price competition. However, he noted the restrictions will not materially slow China’s overall humanoid development, given the size of its domestic manufacturing base and opportunities in other export markets. Chinese manufacturers have been scaling production and reducing costs faster than most overseas competitors.