US President Donald Trump has announced the US government will impose a 100% tariff on drones from foreign companies “of a certain size or with certain capabilities that are particularly sensitive for national security purposes, docking stations of these drones, and certain critical components of these drones. This drone category includes drones with a maximum takeoff weight of more than 25 kilograms and drones with thermal imaging capabilities. “
A further 25% tariff will be imposed on smaller drones and a 15% tariff will go on drones and components from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan. A 10% tariff will be imposed on drones from the United Kingdom, “provided that substantially all hardware, software, and technology originates from within these countries and the United States.”
“The Proclamation authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish an onshoring program for companies making new investments in manufacturing drones and drone components,” says the White House statement. “The tariffs will take effect 21 days after signing. For components of drones that are not particularly sensitive, the tariffs will take effect 180 days after signing. For products and components that the Department of War has approved for an exemption from the Federal Communications Commission’s Covered List within 20 days of signing, the tariffs will take effect 180 days after signing.”
Drones used for both commercial and US military purposes rely on foreign sources for critical UAS components, which poses significant risks to US national security and creates cybersecurity vulnerabilities, said the statement. US drone production needs to be expanded rapidly to ensure U.S. national and economic security.
“In June 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order unleashing American drone dominance to ensure continued American leadership in the development, commercialization, and export of drones by prioritizing U.S.-manufactured drones, promoting their export and taking action to ensure our technology remains secure from undue foreign influence and exploitation. In June 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order to ensure American sovereignty over its skies and a safe and secure airspace to counter the then-escalating misuse of drones.”
For more information
https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/08/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-bolsters-national-security-and-strengthens-u-s-supply-chains-by-imposing-tariffs-on-drones-and-their-parts-and-components/
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