TP-Link signs letter of intent to assemble routers in the US, starting with Wi-Fi 8

TP-Link has signed a letter of intent with contract manufacturer Key Tronic to begin assembling routers in the United States, with production at a Mississippi facility potentially starting as early as 2027 pending regulatory approval. Wi-Fi 8 routers are expected to be among the first products assembled under the arrangement.

The move follows the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) decision in March 2026 to designate all consumer routers manufactured outside the US as a security risk and ban their import. Retailers were allowed to continue selling existing inventory, while new imports were halted.

TP-Link described the agreement as part of its long-term effort to accelerate US investment in high-tech manufacturing and job creation. The company also noted that some components would still need to be sourced from outside the US, a challenge it said is common among manufacturers attempting to onshore production.

The FCC has allowed companies to apply for waivers if they agree to move at least some manufacturing to the US. Several firms have received waivers, though TP-Link is not currently among them.