Trump announces tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he will introduce tariffs on imports of drones and their components, including from several key US allies. According to the White House, a signed proclamation imposes a 100% ad valorem tariff on drones of a certain size or with specific capabilities deemed particularly sensitive for national security. A 25% tariff will apply to smaller drones.

The measure also sets country-specific duties. A 15% tariff will be placed on drones and components from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan, while a 10% tariff will be imposed on drones from the United Kingdom. This means the move affects multiple partner nations, reflecting the administration's broader use of tariffs as a trade tool.

In the proclamation, Trump said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had studied the impact of imports of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). "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 stated. Lutnick also determined that drones and components from certain foreign entities pose security and safety risks, and that the domestic US industry does not produce enough to meet security needs.

The White House said the tariffs will take effect in 21 days. For drone components that are not considered particularly sensitive, the duties will be effective 180 days after signing. Additionally, for products that the Pentagon approves for exemption from the Federal Communications Commission's "Covered List" within 20 days of signing, tariffs will also take effect after 180 days. Trump has made tariffs a central pillar of his foreign and trade policies, despite legal setbacks and criticism from analysts.