U.S. imports of industrial robots increased 17% on a year earlier in January with growth driven by shipments from Japan and Canada. Preliminary data suggests the growth may have accelerated to 29% in February, making the seventh straight month of expansion. Fanuc remains the largest shipper, with imports nearly ten times the level of nearest competitor Kawasaki Heavy. Exports did not do so well, however, with a 19% drop as the strong dollar took a toll on shipments to Europe. Further risks may come from trade deal negotiations as the U.S. runs a ‘robotics surplus’ with China, Canada and ...