U.S. directs trade talks over robotics and machinery imports

What happened

The President signed Proclamation 11077 on October 28, 2026. The Federal Register filed it for public inspection on October 30 and scheduled publication for November 2. It directs the Commerce Secretary and U.S. Trade Representative to pursue or continue trade negotiations concerning imports of robotics, industrial machinery and their components, with a progress update within 180 days.

What the proclamation does now

Citing a Commerce Department national-security investigation under Section 232, the proclamation calls for negotiations to address import risks and continued monitoring of robotics and machinery imports. It names possible future remedies, including tariffs, duties, quotas and fees, depending on negotiations.

The signed proclamation initiates negotiations and monitoring. It does not itself impose a new robotics tariff or quota; any later import restriction would require further action. The Federal Register publication was still scheduled for November 2 when this brief was verified.

Verified October 31, 2026. This is a RobotMe summary of the official record; it is not legal advice.