Proclamation on robot and machinery imports sets no tariffs yet and orders trade talks

President Trump signed Proclamation 11077 on Oct 28, 2026. It was published in the Federal Register on Nov 2, 2026 (91 FR 69199, document 2026-22385). The title is "Adjusting Imports of Robotics, Industrial Machinery, and Their Parts and Components Into the United States."

The text says Commerce found that imports in this area threaten to impair national security. It covers imports of robotics, industrial machinery and their parts and components. It names advanced robots "such as autonomous robots, humanoid and quadruped robots, and autonomous ground vehicles" as examples of robots that support the U.S. military. It sets no product list or tariff codes.

The proclamation sets no tariff rate, duty or quota. It directs the Commerce Secretary and the U.S. Trade Representative to jointly pursue negotiations of agreements with trading partners. They must give the President an update within 180 days of the proclamation date.

It also says the President may later consider "imposing or modifying tariffs, duties, quotas, and fees" depending on how the talks go. The same sentence lists a possible program to encourage new investment in U.S. production of robotics and industrial machinery.

For robot makers that buy actuators, sensors and other parts from abroad, the document sets nothing new to pay today. It does put parts and components inside the scope of any later action.