Trump Imposes Tariffs Up to 100% on Imported Drones

President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on drone imports on Thursday, aiming to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign supply chains and bolster domestic manufacturing.

Larger drones with sensitive capabilities, including thermal imaging, will face a 100 percent tariff, along with critical parts. Smaller drones and components deemed less sensitive will be subject to a 25 percent tariff. Drones and parts from allies such as the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan will face a 15 percent tariff, while those from the United Kingdom will be taxed at 10 percent.

The White House stated the tariffs are intended to create jobs, protect national security, and scale U.S. drone production. The directive follows an investigation ordered by Trump last year into the national security implications of imported drones. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick found that domestic manufacturers currently lack the capacity to meet the country's security needs in the unmanned aircraft system space.

The tariffs are set to take effect within 21 days, with duties on less sensitive drones and parts implemented in 180 days. The administration also launched a more than $1 billion drone dominance program earlier this year aimed at scaling U.S. manufacturing. The U.S. is seeking to reduce its reliance on outsourcing parts, particularly from China, which has dominated the drone market.

The White House also announced changes to Navy policy, directing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to replace advanced electromagnetic aircraft launch systems with traditional steam and hydraulic systems on aircraft carriers and to allow foreign shipbuilders to construct American warships on a limited basis.