U.S. Raises New Barriers Against Chinese Drones and Robots
The United States tightens restrictions on foreign-made advanced robotic systems and imposes steep tariffs on imported drones and their components, citing national-security concerns. The drone tariffs take effect in September, with additional tariffs on components following in 2027. The moves extend the FCC's Covered List, which began in 2021 by targeting telecommunications and surveillance equipment from companies like Huawei, ZTE and Hikvision, and now reaches foreign-made drones and advanced robotic devices.
Chinese manufacturers hold commanding positions in both drones and humanoid robots, often at prices U.S. and European rivals struggle to match. Global humanoid robot shipments reach 22,000 units in the first half of 2026, with the vast majority coming from China, according to Counterpoint. The world's five largest humanoid robot makers by shipments — AgiBot, Unitree, Galbot, UBTECH and Leju Robotics — are all Chinese and together account for 86% of global shipments.
Unlike semiconductors, robotics does not hinge on a single technology one country can control, notes Ankur Saxena, an investment director at TDK Ventures. Analysts and executives say the restrictions may protect parts of the American market but do not address China's global manufacturing scale and cost advantages. The likely result is a fragmented global market, with Chinese companies expanding elsewhere while U.S. and allied manufacturers compete in markets where security requirements matter more.