Trump opts for trade talks over tariffs for robotics, industrial machinery

For the second time this month, the president directed cabinet officials to negotiate over imports deemed a threat to U.S. commerce and security by a Section 232 probe.

President Donald Trump is once again choosing trade talks over tariffs after a Section 232 investigation, this time for imports of robotics, industrial machinery and their components.

In a proclamation signed Wednesday, Trump instructed Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to pursue or continue negotiations with trading partners to address the U.S.’ reliance on imports of robotics, industrial machinery and related parts. The officials are to report their progress to Trump within 180 days.

The order follows a Section 232 probe launched in September 2025, which found that the U.S. produces less robotics and industrial equipment than it needs and lacks the domestic capacity to meet demand, according to the proclamation. Results of the investigation also assert that the U.S. faces risks to its manufacturing base, national security and economic well-being by importing such large quantities of robotics and industrial equipment.

This story was originally published by Supply Chain Dive. Read the full story at Supply Chain Dive →