On October 28, 2026, President Trump signed a proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, 19 U.S.C. § 1862, concurring with the Secretary of Commerce's finding that robotics and industrial machinery, as well as their parts and components, are being imported "in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security." The proclamation imposes no tariffs, quotas, or fees. It instead directs the Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to negotiate agreements with trading partners.
The Investigation
Commerce initiated the investigation on September 2, 2025, and requested public comments by notice published September 26, 2025 (90 FR 46382). The notice defined the scope broadly to include robots and computer-controlled mechanical systems; CNC machining centers, lathes, and mills; grinding, deburring, stamping, and pressing equipment; automatic tool changers, jigs, and fixtures; and specialty metalworking equipment, including industrial ovens, autoclaves, metal finishing equipment, electrical discharge machines, and laser and waterjet cutters. Unmanned aircraft systems were excluded because they are the subject of a separate Section 232 investigation. The proclamation states that the Secretary transmitted the report within the preceding 90 days. The proclamation itself does not identify covered products by HTSUS provision.
The Directed Action
Under section 232(c)(3)(A), the proclamation directs the Secretary and the Trade Representative to jointly pursue negotiations of agreements, or continue any current negotiations, with any trading partner they deem appropriate, and to update the President on the progress of those negotiations within 180 days, which falls on April 26, 2027. If an agreement is not entered into within 180 days, is not being carried out, or is ineffective, the President may take other actions. The proclamation identifies possible future remedies, including imposing or modifying tariffs, duties, quotas, and fees, and a program to incentivize new investment. The Secretary is also directed to continue monitoring imports and to inform the President of any circumstances that may indicate the need for further action under Section 232.
The approach parallels the President's October 22, 2026 proclamation on wind turbine imports, which likewise directed Section 232 negotiations without imposing tariffs.