Facing a ban on selling new consumer routers in the US due to foreign component concerns, TP-Link has announced plans to start assembling its next-generation Wi-Fi 8 routers in Mississippi with a major US manufacturing partner, hoping to satisfy the Trump administration’s regulatory demands and secure market access.
- TP-Link plans US assembly by 2027 to meet FCC rules on foreign-made routers
- Company proposes $1B investment with partner Keytronic in Mississippi
- FCC exemption still uncertain, pending national security reviews
What happened
TP-Link has revealed plans to start assembling its newest Wi-Fi 8 routers in the United States, as it tries to overcome a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ban on the sale of routers produced wholly or partly abroad. The company signed a Letter of Intent with US firm Keytronic to serve as its main domestic manufacturing partner in Corinth, Mississippi, targeting an assembly start as early as 2027. This is a strategic response to the Trump administration’s restrictions aimed at mitigating national security risks posed by foreign-made networking devices.
TP-Link has relocated its global headquarters to California in 2024 and currently manufactures devices in Vietnam, though most parts still come from China. The US assembly plan is part of a larger bid to persuade regulators to approve TP-Link’s Wi-Fi 8 routers, which have not yet received clearance for sale in America. The company has also pledged nearly $1 billion in investment to create and expand US manufacturing infrastructure, while highlighting software and firmware development conducted domestically.
Why it matters
The FCC has imposed strict bans on router imports linked to foreign governments, especially Chinese firms, citing national security concerns. TP-Link’s attempt to shift assembly to the US directly addresses this regulatory challenge and could open the market for its advanced devices. Given that other firms such as Netgear, Asus, and Amazon’s Eero have already secured exemptions through similar domestic production commitments, TP-Link’s move reflects broader industry pressure to localize manufacturing in response to US policy.
However, there remains uncertainty over how much domestic manufacturing is sufficient to meet the FCC’s criteria. TP-Link noted that many essential components are unavailable in the US, complicating the company’s ability to satisfy regulatory requirements fully. The Trump administration’s guidance lacks specificity about acceptable proportions of US involvement versus foreign content, creating a challenging environment for TP-Link and other manufacturers seeking exemption.
What to watch next
It will also be important to track whether the Trump administration clarifies or modifies its manufacturing guidelines for foreign-linked tech firms, potentially shaping the competitive landscape for consumer routers in the US. TP-Link’s experience may set a precedent for how firms with complex global supply chains navigate regulatory demands amid rising geopolitical tensions centered on technology security.