TP-Link says it will start making Wi-Fi 8 routers in the US, dodging government soft ban in one easy step
TP-Link has announced plans to manufacture Wi-Fi 8 routers in the United States, responding to regulatory pressure from the FCC’s foreign-made router approval requirements implemented earlier this year. The Chinese electronics company signed a letter of intent with Key Tronic, an electronics manufacturer, to establish router assembly operations in Mississippi.
The move represents a strategic response to the FCC’s soft ban on foreign-manufactured routers, which now requires special approval for their sale in the US market. By shifting production domestically, TP-Link aims to streamline its market access while positioning itself as a supplier of secure, reliable connectivity solutions.
TP-Link CEO Jeffrey Chao stated the agreement demonstrates the company’s commitment to expanding advanced manufacturing in the United States. The partnership with Key Tronic signals an effort to establish America as a primary base for TP-Link’s router operations, suggesting the company views domestic production as essential to maintaining its competitive position in the US market. This shift could influence how other foreign-based networking equipment manufacturers approach the American market amid evolving regulatory requirements.