US Considers Ban on Chinese Router Sales Over 'Security Threat'... Largest Move Since Huawei Ouster

U.S. Department of Commerce Investigates Chinese TP-Link Over National Security Concerns
Dominates Over Half of U.S. Home Wi-Fi Router Market
Sales Ban Expected in Trump’s Second Term

The U.S. government is considering banning the sales of Chinese company TP-Link, which holds more than half of the domestic home Wi-Fi router market, citing national security concerns. If TP-Link products are banned, it would be the largest prohibition measure since the 2019 expulsion of Chinese Huawei equipment during the first Trump administration.

On the 18th (local time), The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, citing sources, that the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Defense, and Justice are jointly investigating Chinese telecommunications equipment maker TP-Link. The Department of Commerce, which is investigating whether TP-Link routers were used in cyberattacks, has reportedly already issued a subpoena to the company.

The U.S. government may begin banning the sale of TP-Link routers within the United States starting next year. It is highly likely that the ban will be implemented under the second Trump administration, which takes office next month.

Chinese company TP-Link holds a 65% market share in the U.S. home and small business router market as of this year. This is a significant increase from 20% in 2019 over four years. TP-Link also ranks first in sales on Amazon, the world's largest online retailer, and its products are used to support communications for the U.S. Department of Defense and federal government agencies.

Concerns have been raised in the U.S. about TP-Link routers being vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. According to a Microsoft (MS) investigation last October, Chinese hacking groups attempted cyberattacks using networks composed of thousands of TP-Link routers, targeting think tanks, government and non-government organizations, and Department of Defense contractors. Despite these concerns, TP-Link reportedly has not resolved the security flaws.

Ryu Fengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the U.S., stated regarding this matter, "The United States is suppressing Chinese companies under the pretext of national security," and added, "We will firmly defend the legal rights and interests of Chinese companies."