Trade tensions overshadow the industry’s supply chains as the US pushes to lead the next wave of robotics innovation and efforts for increased automation. While not a headline topic at this week’s Robotics Summit & Expo held in Boston, concern over tariffs loomed in the background, according to media reports. Industry insiders quietly voiced worries that escalating duties on key imports—such as semiconductors, sensors, batteries, and rare earth materials—could disrupt development and inflate costs. According to experts, these core components, essential to building intelligent, mobile machines, are deeply embedded in global trade networks, making US robotics companies particularly vulnerable to geopolitical friction. On April 4, China’s Commerce Ministry restricted exports of seven rare earth elements and magnets. This action is in retaliation for the new tariffs that US President Donald Trump imposed on Chinese products. Tariffs and trade tensions are beginning to reshape the landscape for US robotics firms, with industry leaders weighing both challenges and opportunities. According to the US Census, the US imported $603mn in industrial robots in 2024, three times its exports, and with the ongoing tariff war, it will cost more. China, which dominates global rare earth production and processing, has imposed new export restrictions on seven key elements. US companies must now secure licenses to import them.

Full report : In 2024, the US imported $603 million in industrial robots, three times its exports, and future costs are expected to rise due to the ongoing tariff war.