US President Donald Trump has announced fresh tariffs on foreign drones and drone components. The measures will impose a 100% tariff on drones categorised as sensitive to national security, and a 25% tariff on smaller drones. Products coming in from the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan will face a 15% tariff, while those from the UK will be subject to a 10% tariff.
The Trump administration’s toughest drone-related regulations will apply to drones considered most sensitive to US national security, which will face a 100% ad valorem tariff — an additional duty equal to the full value of the product. Smaller drones will face a 25% tariff. Trump stated that the decision was taken following an assessment by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who examined the national security risks associated with drone systems and components being imported into the United States.
According to Trump, Lutnick’s assessment found that foreign drone manufacturers have a significant presence in the US market, and that the United States relies heavily on other countries for drones and their components. Trump noted that the US is concerned not just about the trade deficit, but also about its dependence on foreign supply chains for drones. The new tariffs, however, will not take effect immediately — they are set to come into force 21 days after the announcement, giving foreign drone manufacturers and US importers a limited window to adjust their supply and pricing strategies.