Trump delays tariffs on robots and industrial machinery, directs officials to negotiate with trading partners.

President Trump said he will hold off on imposing tariffs on imports of robots, industrial machinery and related parts, and has asked officials to negotiate with trading partners on imports of these goods. Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday agreeing with the conclusions of a Commerce Department investigation report, which determined that the quantity and manner of imports of robots and industrial machinery pose a threat to U.S. national security. Trump asked Commerce Secretary Lutnick and Trade Representative Greer to negotiate with trading partners to resolve the related import issues and report progress within 180 days, which also leaves room for imposing tariffs in the future. Trump said that depending on the progress or outcome of the negotiations, other remedial measures may be considered in the future. Critics warned that imposing new tariffs on such imports could drive up costs and instead undermine the Trump administration's goal of boosting American manufacturing.