Tesla’s production of its Optimus humanoid robots has been delayed due to China’s new restrictions on the export of rare earth magnets, which are essential for the robots’ arm motors. These restrictions expand previous measures to include not only raw minerals but also finished products, requiring exporters to obtain licenses from China’s Ministry of Commerce. The licensing process is expected to take several weeks or longer.
During a recent earnings call, Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk explained that the company is engaging with Chinese authorities to secure the necessary approvals. Musk noted that the magnets used in the Optimus robots are not intended for military applications, a point Tesla is emphasizing in discussions with regulators. The new export controls pose a challenge for Tesla as it aims to begin large-scale production of the Optimus robots in 2025. The situation reflects the growing impact of international trade policies on emerging industries, including robotics and electric vehicles.
