TP-Link, a major global producer of consumer Wi‑Fi routers, finds itself in a difficult spot in the U.S. market. The company has just released its first Wi‑Fi 8 routers, but a ban on foreign‑made routers imposed by President Donald Trump prevents them from being sold here. While rivals such as Netgear and Asus also manufacture their devices in Asia, they have apparently secured broad waivers that allow their new equipment to enter the American market. TP‑Link, possibly because of perceived connections to China, has not yet received a similar exemption.
In response, TP‑Link is prepared to take a step its competitors have not: it is proposing to invest close to $1 billion in U.S. production facilities. The plan would create hundreds of well‑paid positions and bring the manufacturing of its routers onto American soil.