Commerce Secretary signals possible action on Chinese robots after review, Politico reports

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick signaled the U.S. may take action on Chinese state-subsidized robotics after the Department of Commerce completes its review, Reuters reports via a Politico account. At a closed-door meeting Monday with executives, Lutnick said the department is studying imports of subsidized robotic systems and that the administration could respond once the assessment is finished. He warned that “robotic arms” enabled by government support could become part of an emerging competitive “arms” dynamic. The Secretary also said the goal is to ensure robotics are produced in America. Reuters said it could not immediately verify the report. The developments reflect intensifying U.S.-China scrutiny of advanced industrial technology and supply chains.