Trump Announces New Tariffs on Imported Drones and Components

US President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on imported drones and drone components, including products from several major US allies.

The Trump administration said the move was aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on foreign-made drones and protecting national security.

Under a proclamation signed by Trump, a 100% ad valorem tariff will be imposed on drones of certain sizes or with specific capabilities considered particularly sensitive to national security.

A 25% tariff will apply to smaller drones, while different tariff rates will apply to products from various countries.

According to the White House, a 15% tariff will be imposed on drones and components from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan. Drones from the UK will face a 10% ad valorem tariff.

Trump said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had reviewed the impact of imports of unmanned aircraft systems, or drones.

“The Secretary found that import penetration from foreign producers of UAS is substantial and that the United States is too reliant ​on foreign sources ​of UAS and ⁠UAS components,” Trump said.

Trump said the review also found that drone products and components from certain foreign entities “pose security and safety risks”.

He added that the US domestic drone industry does not currently produce enough equipment to meet the country’s security requirements.

The new tariffs are part of Trump’s broader trade policy, under which tariffs have become a major tool despite legal challenges and criticism from some analysts.

The White House said the tariffs will take effect 21 days after the proclamation was signed.

For drone components that are not considered particularly sensitive, the tariffs will take effect 180 days after the signing.

The same 180-day period will apply to products approved by the Pentagon for an exemption from the Federal Communications Commission’s “Covered List” within 20 days of the proclamation being signed.