Why It Matters
FANUC America Corp. is making its first-ever foray into federal lobbying at a critical moment. The Japanese robotics giant hired Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP to navigate escalating trade policy uncertainty and reshoring trends reshaping American manufacturing.
Congress is actively debating legislation directly impacting FANUC’s core business: tariffs on semiconductors and manufacturing equipment, supply chain security, and automation adoption.
FANUC’s lobbying agenda will likely focus on three fronts: tariff policy stability, supply chain resilience legislation, and automation incentives through the relaunched Congressional Robotics Caucus.
By the Numbers
FANUC America Corp. assembled a five-person lobbying team combining trade expertise with Capitol Hill experience:
- Kelly Ann Shaw: Former Trade Counsel for House Ways and Means Committee, represented Semiconductor Industry Association
- David D. Schwietert: Former Senate Commerce Committee Staff Director, lobbied automotive clients for nine years
- Phylicia Wu: U.S.-Asia trade expert, represented Japan Business Federation and Nippon Steel Corp.
- Cara Morrow: Trade specialist representing clients like Ralph Lauren Corp. on tariff issues
- Joshua Adam Teitelbaum: Nearly six years on Capitol Hill, lobbied on Section 301 tariffs.
The Agenda
Congress is considering legislation affecting FANUC’s interests. S.2214 – Future of Defense Manufacturing Act would restrict Pentagon use of foreign-made manufacturing equipment. H.R.1122 – China Technology Transfer Control Act would control robotics and AI exports to China.
Semiconductor-related bills H.R.5287, H.R.6058, and H.R.5289 target China’s semiconductor capabilities. Critical materials legislation addresses raw material sourcing for manufacturing.
Congress held hearings on "AI in Manufacturing" and "Export Control Loopholes" while showing bipartisan support for robotics through the Congressional Robotics Caucus.
Between The Lines
Trade policy remains deeply divided. Sen. Tommy Tuberville demands industry-specific tariffs, while Sen. Mike Crapo warns tariffs hinder manufacturers’ component access. The U.S. ranks ninth globally in robot adoption, creating legislative opportunities for FANUC to shape pro-automation policies.
Bipartisan momentum exists around automation, with Reps. Jim McGovern, Bob Latta, Haley Stevens, and Jay Obernolte relaunching the Congressional Robotics Caucus.
Competitive Landscape
FANUC enters a crowded field. Siemens Corp. lobbies on Section 232 tariffs and industrial AI. Schneider Electric USA spends heavily on supply chain security. KLA Corp. focuses on China trade policy and semiconductor equipment export controls.
The Bottom Line
FANUC’s lobbying launch reflects industry needs for stable tariff policy, supply chain security, and government support for automation adoption. The timing positions FANUC to influence policies determining whether reshoring becomes advantageous or burdensome for equipment suppliers as manufacturers grapple with trade uncertainty and reshoring decisions.
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