Robotics’ Tariffs Would Hobble U.S. Manufacturing Renaissance (From InsideSources DC Journal)

A resurgent and revitalized manufacturing sector is imperative to create millions of well-paying, high-quality jobs for Americans while strengthening our economy and providing greater long-term stability. Ironically, to get there, the U.S. needs plenty of industrial robots, the vast majority of which are manufactured overseas.

Industrial robots perform numerous complex tasks efficiently including welding, painting, assembly, and “palletizing,” putting stuff on pallets. They are being used at manufacturing sites around the world, especially in China, in all major industries. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the leading industries for robot installations in 2024 were electronics (24%), automotive (23%), and metal and machinery (16%).

Paul Steidler discusses this in an Op-Ed in InsideSources DC Journal here.