U.S. Curbs Push China’s Drone and Robot Makers Toward New Markets

Washington is tightening access to foreign-made drones and advanced robots on national-security grounds, extending a campaign that began with the Federal Communications Commission’s Covered List in 2021. The list initially targeted telecommunications and surveillance equipment from companies including Huawei, ZTE and Hikvision before expanding to drones and advanced robotic devices. The measures aim to reduce U.S. reliance on Chinese technology in strategically sensitive industries, but they do not erase China’s manufacturing scale, supply-chain depth or cost advantage.

The United States tightened restrictions on advanced robotic systems in July and August 2026 and imposed tariffs on imported drones and components. Drone tariffs take effect in September, with additional component duties due in 2027. Counterpoint said global humanoid robot shipments reached 22,000 units in the first half of 2026; Chinese suppliers AgiBot, Unitree, Galbot, UBTECH and Leju Robotics accounted for 86%. Analysts expect them to pursue Europe, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, accelerating the industry’s shift toward regional ecosystems.