[Edaily Reporter JAEMIN SONG ] A new variable has emerged for SamsungElectronics and LGELECTRONICS—both of which are accelerating their expansion into the robotics business—as the U.S. government has deemed imports of robots and industrial machinery a threat to national security. Although the imposition of tariffs has been postponed for now, domestic companies are closely monitoring policy changes in the U.S., given the possibility of future import restrictions.

According to Reuters and other sources on the 30th, U.S. President Donald Trump recently accepted the Department of Commerce’s findings—based on Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act—that imports of robots, industrial machinery, and related parts could pose a threat to national security. However, instead of imposing tariffs immediately, he directed the Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to negotiate with trading partners and report on progress within 180 days. Depending on the outcome of the negotiations, additional measures—such as tariffs and import quotas—may be introduced.

The U.S. government determined that the high reliance on foreign imports of robots and industrial machinery could weaken the country’s manufacturing and defense industrial base. In particular, it emphasized that advanced robots, such as humanoid and quadruped robots, are being utilized in military operations. Cybersecurity risks that could arise from foreign-made robots processing sensitive information were also cited as grounds for a national security threat.

Previously, in August, the U.S. decided to impose tariffs of up to 100% on drones and related components based on the same Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. Last year, it imposed a 25% tariff on automobiles and auto parts, among other measures, tightening import restrictions on the grounds of national security. It cannot be ruled out that these robot tariffs will also be implemented depending on the outcome of the negotiations.

This measure comes at a time when domestic companies are fostering robotics as a next-generation growth engine. In July, SamsungElectronics established the Robotics Experience (RX) Business Promotion Office, reporting directly to the head of the Device Experience (DX) Division, and is currently advancing the development of humanoid technology in collaboration with Rainbow Robotics. SamsungElectronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee also visited the Seoul R&D Campus in Umyeon-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 27th to personally review the status of robotics technology development. Expectations are growing that the company will unveil humanoid-related technologies at CES 2027, to be held in Las Vegas, U.S., next January.

LGELECTRONICS, too, following the unveiling of its home robot “Cloid” and its robotic actuator brand “Axium” at this year’s CES, recently announced during its third-quarter earnings conference call its goal of entering the home humanoid market by 2030. The company is expanding its related businesses by securing in-house development and production capabilities for core robot components.

However, the direct impact of these measures on domestic companies is expected to be limited. This is because specific tariff rates and applicable products have not yet been finalized, and Samsung and LG Corp.’s humanoid robot businesses are still in the pre-commercialization phase. Nevertheless, since the regulatory review covers not only finished robot products but also core components, it could affect the price competitiveness of future exports to the U.S. as well as local production and component procurement strategies.

In an analysis released on the 29th, KOTRA stated, “Depending on the outcome of negotiations, additional measures such as tariffs and quotas are possible,” adding, “It is necessary to prepare for potential developments in the negotiations and the possibility of stricter security requirements.”

An industry official said, “Since specific tariff rates or the scope of application have not yet been determined, the immediate impact on business is not expected to be significant,” adding, “We need to monitor the future direction of U.S. regulations while reviewing our market entry and supply chain strategies.”