Tesla has grand dreams for its humanoid robot, Optimus. China’s recent, anti-competitive export controls on rare earth elements are posing huge, punitive roadblocks. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, emphasized the critical role humanoid robots will play in the company’s future during a recent earnings call.

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has said that export restrictions in China have disrupted the production of its humanoid robot Optimus. Speaking on a company earnings call on Tuesday, Mr Musk said one of the robot’s key components is no longer available for import to the US due to the escalating trade war with China.

China’s halt this month on exports of magnets containing heavy rare earth metals has affected Tesla’s plans to manufacture Optimus robots.