President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Thursday imposing tariffs on imports of drones and related components, stating that the United States is "too reliant" on drones produced overseas.
A 100% tariff will be levied on drones with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 25 kilograms, drones equipped with thermal imaging capabilities, docking stations for these drones, and certain critical components of unmanned aircraft systems weighing over 25 kilograms. Smaller drones without features affecting national security will face a 25% tariff.
According to a White House fact sheet, the measures are aimed at strengthening U.S. national security by increasing domestic drone production. Trump stated in the proclamation that he determined it "necessary and appropriate" to impose the duties on unmanned aircraft systems and their components.
Drones and components produced in the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan will receive preferential treatment, facing a 15% levy instead of the higher rates applied to other countries.
The proclamation includes a significant provision allowing companies to avoid tariffs by committing to manufacture drones or aircraft parts in the United States. This approach mirrors Trump's previous strategy when he threatened a 100% tariff on computer chips last year.
The action follows earlier restrictions on foreign drone imports. The United States has already banned future foreign drones from entering the country unless their companies meet certain conditions, along with similar restrictions on routers, robots, and robotic vacuum cleaners.
The tariff structure distinguishes between different drone categories based on size and capabilities. Consumer drones weighing under 250 grams fall into the lower 25% tariff category, while larger or more advanced systems face the maximum 100% rate.
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