Trump imposes up to 100% tariff on drones
US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones and specific drone components, citing national security risks and the need to boost domestic manufacturing. The new tariff regime targets large and thermal-imaging drones heavily, while lower duties apply to smaller drones and less sensitive components. The White House stated that the 100% ad valorem tariff applies to drones with a maximum takeoff weight of more than 25 kg, as well as drones with thermal imaging capabilities, their docking stations, and certain critical components. For smaller drones that lack capabilities considered particularly sensitive to national security, the proclamation imposes a 25% ad valorem tariff. This lower rate also applies to other drone components that are not deemed critical for national security purposes. The administration has structured the tariffs to favor specific allies, provided that the hardware, software, and technology originate from within those countries and the United States. Drones and components from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan will attract a reduced tariff rate of 15%. The United Kingdom will face an even lower tariff rate of 10%, contingent upon the same origin requirements for hardware and software. The new tariffs will take effect 21 days after the proclamation was signed. However, tariffs on non-sensitive drone components will take effect after a longer window of 180 days. Products and components approved by the Department of War for exemption from the Federal Communications Commission's Covered List within 20 days of signing will also face tariffs after the 180-day period. The proclamation authorizes the Commerce Secretary to establish an onshoring programme for companies making new investments in US drone and component manufacturing. The administration highlighted that commercial and military drones rely heavily on foreign sources for critical Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) components, creating significant risks to US national security and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
