China-made humanoid robots banned by US for security reasons
The Federal Communications Commission in the US announced on Tuesday its decision to prohibit the importation of foreign-made humanoid robots, a measure aimed at addressing concerns related to national security, particularly in relation to China. The decision may exert pressure on bilateral relations as the competition in technology between the two global leaders escalates. China produces significantly more humanoid robots than the United States and other rivals, with analysts estimating that the global market share of Chinese humanoid robots has approached approximately 85 percent. The FCC’s ban encompasses new imports of humanoid robots, quadrupeds—commonly known as four-legged robot dogs—as well as power inverters manufactured abroad.
In its decision-making process, the FCC articulated that these sophisticated robots manufactured abroad present supply chain vulnerabilities for the United States, alongside potential cybersecurity and national security threats. FCC chairperson Brendan Carr stated that the action was taken to “secure America’s critical supply chains.” The United States has implemented measures aimed at restricting the entry of Chinese technology, notably through recent bans on imports, which include Chinese-made drones. The US is currently considering imposing restrictions on Chinese open-source artificial intelligence models, coinciding with the rapid advancement of Chinese AI capabilities. “It’s a steady drumbeat of potential flashpoints heading into (the) Trump-Xi summit planned for September,” said Samm Sacks. US President Donald Trump is anticipated to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in September, subsequent to their mid-May meeting in Beijing.
Last year, China represented approximately 85 percent of global humanoid deployments, as reported by source. Morgan Stanley analysts forecast China’s humanoid robot market could reach USD 15 billion by 2030. “Chinese manufacturers have been scaling production and reducing costs faster than most overseas competitors,” said analyst Kangyuxiao Li. “Restricting their access to the US removes an important future market and protects US developers from potential price competition,” he said. “However, it will not materially slow China’s overall humanoid development, given the size of its domestic manufacturing base and opportunities in other export markets.” Of the around 15,000 humanoid robots shipped globally in 2025, Unitree and AGIBOT, two of China’s largest advanced robotics companies, each shipped more than 5,000, while their US counterparts like Tesla and Figure AI each shipped a few hundred or less, according to the technology research and advisory group Omdia.
In the context of global markets, China is strategically focusing on Europe as a significant market for its advanced robotics, including humanoid models, according to Omdia. China has asserted its technological advancements as a global opportunity, countering perceptions of threat, particularly as nations like the US express apprehensions regarding the potential economic impacts of a “China Shock 2.0.” The recent US ban may also have implications for partnerships between American and Chinese technology firms, according to Lian Jye Su. Nvidia, in June, unveiled a humanoid robot reference design that incorporates the humanoid chassis developed by the Chinese robot manufacturer Unitree. The Pentagon recently categorised Unitree with several prominent Chinese technology firms on its roster of companies alleged to have connections to or support the Chinese military, a claim that Beijing has expressed strong opposition to.
