According to reports, on August 13, former US President Donald Trump announced he would impose tariffs on imported drones and their components, including products from several key US allies. The administration stated that the US has become “too dependent” on foreign-made drones.
The White House said a proclamation signed by Trump imposes a 100% ad valorem tariff on drones of certain sizes or with specific capabilities that are particularly sensitive to national security purposes, while a 25% tariff will apply to smaller drones.
The White House added that drones and parts imported from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan (China) would face a 15% ad valorem tariff, while drones from the United Kingdom would be charged a 10% ad valorem tariff.
In the text of the proclamation released by the White House, Trump said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had conducted an investigation into the impact of imports on unmanned aerial vehicle systems, commonly known as drones.
Trump said, “The Secretary found that the penetration of imports by foreign producers in the drone sector is quite significant, and the United States is overly dependent on foreign sources for drones and drone components.”
Trump added that Lutnick found drones and their parts from certain foreign entities “pose a security risk,” and that the domestic industry cannot produce enough to meet security needs.
The White House stated that these tariffs will take effect in 21 days. For drone components that are not particularly sensitive, tariffs will take effect 180 days after the signing.
The White House also mentioned that for products that the Pentagon, within 20 days after the signing, approves for exemption from the Federal Communications Commission’s “covered list,” tariffs will take effect 180 days after the signing.
According to reports, this announcement could severely impact the market for Chinese drones in the US. China is the world’s dominant drone manufacturing country, with Shenzhen-based DJI holding approximately 70% of the US commercial drone market as of last year.
