Trump Bars Some Foreign Grid Equipment in US
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, August 27, signed an executive order declaring a national emergency over foreign threats to the domestic bulk-power system and barring certain foreign electrical equipment from the US grid . The order says foreign-made bulk-power system equipment can pose unusual and extraordinary risks to US national security, foreign policy and the economy . It covers not only hardware but also critical software and digital functions that may create cybersecurity or operational risks . Although the order does not name any country, both reports say Chinese products are likely to be affected or that the measure is widely seen as aimed at China .
Key Points
- Trump said rapid growth in AI data centres, advanced manufacturing and defence production has increased US dependence on stable electricity supplies .
- The executive order bars procurement or installation in the US of certain foreign-made bulk-power equipment deemed to pose cyber or operational risks .
- The energy secretary is directed to issue implementing rules and may impose conditions on continued use and operation of affected equipment .
- A previous report said US experts found undocumented communication devices inside some Chinese-made solar inverters connected to the grid .
- International Energy Agency data cited by on.cc says China accounts for about 80% of global battery and solar inverter manufacturing capacity .
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the move points to a further hardening of US-China technology and supply-chain tensions, with energy infrastructure now joining semiconductors and telecoms as a security battleground. It also suggests that Chinese electrical and renewable-energy equipment may face tougher scrutiny in overseas markets, potentially affecting regional trade and project planning .