n NEWS March 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com 10 AROUND ONE IN FIVE UK manufacturers have reduced or stopped exporting to the US as a result of the trade tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump in the past year. A survey of 119 UK manufacturers has also revealed that 23% have shifted their export focus to non-US markets, such as the Asia-Pacific region. The figures come from new Make UK / DHL Express study –International Trade Trends 2026: UK Manufacturers in Global Markets – which reports that the US remains a key export destination for British manufacturers, with six out of ten currently trading with the US. However, the impacts of tariffs are being felt. One in four manufacturers are linking balance sheet losses to the added costs arising from the US tariffs. And nearly a quarter reveal that they accelerated their exports to the US in early 2025 to try to beat the anticipated increases. As well as the one in five manufacturers that have already curbed their exports to the US, a further 16% say they are planning to do so. But a quarter of exporters haven’t changed their US trade plans at all, highlighting the varied impact across the sector. Beyond the US, the research highlights wider structural barriers to international trade. Around 80% of UK manufacturers have been hit by some form of tariff. And 58% cite tariffs and trade rules, including rules of origin, as being a major obstacle to exporting. Half also point to customs delays as being a significant challenge, with businesses facing extra paperwork, inconsistent processes and a lack of guidance. Turning to the EU, more than half of manufacturers report that either that their trade with the EU is now higher than it was before Brexit in 2020 (42%) or that it A fifth of UK manufacturers have curbed their exports to the US LESS THAN 100 HUMANOID robot developers will progress beyond experimenting with proof-of-concepts by 2028, with 20 or fewer using them in real manufacturing and supply chain applications, according to the business and technology insights company, Gartner. It suggests that“the hype surrounding humanoid robots is outpacing their readiness for large-scale deployment,”and predicts that by 2028 most production deployments of humanoid robots will be limited to tightly controlled environments, rather than dynamic, high-throughput operations. “The promise of humanoid robots is compelling, but the reality is that the technology remains immature and far from meeting expectations for versatility and cost-effectiveness,” says Abdil Tunca, a senior principal analyst in Gartner’s Supply Chain practice. “CSCOs (chief supply chain officers) must carefully evaluate readiness and avoid overcommitting resources to solutions that cannot yet deliver on their potential.” Although humanoid robots that replicate human shapes and movements, and incorporate heads, arms and legs, might offer some advantages, Gartner suggests that alternative designs – such as hybrid robots equipped with wheels or sensors in unconventional placements – may provide superior performance and adaptability. Humanoid robots, it argues, face significant barriers to adoption, including: n Technological limitations Current models lack the dexterity, intelligence and adaptability needed for complex, unstructured environments such as mixedSKU picking, trailer unloading or exception handling in high-velocity warehouses. n Integration complexity Compatibility with existing systems and workflows remains a challenge. n High costs Substantial upfront investments and maintenance costs need to be weighed against uncertain returns. With the current technology and costs, humanoids cost many times more than task-specific robots, while delivering lower throughput and uptime. n Energy constraints Limited battery life restricts operational time for highmobility tasks. Unlike humanoids, hybrid robots are optimised for flexibility without being constrained by a human-like design. For example, a robot with wheels and a telescopic arm can move boxes, pick cases, scan inventory and perform inspections, usually with higher uptime and using less energy than a humanoid attempting the same tasks. Such robots can incorporate functions that enhance their efficiency and durability, making them better suited for dynamic environments. is now similar to pre-2020 levels (15%). But 19% report that trade with the EU has fallen and stayed lower, while 9% say that Brexit has had no impact at all. A third of firms report that their trade with non-EU markets has increased since 2020. UK manufacturers remain cautiously optimistic. Almost eight in ten say they are confident in the UK’s trade prospects, signalling a continuing ambition to compete globally, even in a fragmented and uncertain trading environment. The manufacturers also believe that Britain still has a strong manufacturing reputation globally, with 85% of them saying they that emphasise the “Britishness” of their products or business. “UK manufacturers’ ability to trade goods and services globally is under growing strain from a combination of higher tariffs, geopolitical pressures, and the need to adapt to a rapidly changing global environment,”comments Make UK’s CEO, Stephen Phipson. “Tariffs and trade friction in global markets are creating uncertainty and disrupting long-standing customer and supply chains. Many businesses are responding by diversifying exports, adjusting supply chains, or scaling back activity to manage rising costs and delays. “Despite these challenges,” he adds, “manufacturers remain ambitious and outward-looking. We fully support the Government’s strategy to adopt a trade approach that strengthens the UK’s global competitiveness and supports more seamless and certain trading relations with our long-term partners.” Reported changes in trade with the EU since Brexit (percentage of respondents) Source: Make UK/DHL Many humanoids will stall at pilot stage, with hybrid robots benefitting
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