TP-Link is moving to assemble routers in the United States after the government barred new foreign-made consumer routers from being sold domestically. The company has signed a letter of intent with manufacturer Key Tronic and says that, pending regulatory approval, production could begin at a Mississippi facility as early as 2027.
According to the report, Wi-Fi 8 routers are likely to be among the first products that Key Tronic assembles for TP-Link. However, the company acknowledges that it will still rely on overseas suppliers for many components, with its corporate affairs officer noting that domestic sources are not currently available for a wide range of parts.
The move comes after the Federal Communications Commission designated all consumer routers made outside the US as a security risk and banned their import in March. Retailers may sell existing inventory, and companies can apply for waivers if they plan to move some manufacturing to the US. TP-Link is not currently among the companies that have received a waiver, making this assembly plan a direct response to the regulatory pressure.