US President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on imported drones and their components, including products from several key US allies, citing national security concerns and the country’s reliance on foreign suppliers.
Under a proclamation signed by Trump on Thursday, a 100 per cent ad valorem tariff will be imposed on drones of certain sizes or with capabilities considered particularly sensitive to US national security.
Smaller drones will attract a 25 per cent tariff, while drones and components imported from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan will face a 15 per cent levy.
Drones imported from the United Kingdom will be subject to a 10 per cent tariff, according to the White House.
Trump said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had conducted an assessment of imports of unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones, and their components.
He said the assessment found that foreign producers had a substantial share of the US drone market and that the country was “too reliant” on foreign sources for drones and their components.
According to Trump, Lutnick also determined that drones and components supplied by certain foreign entities could pose security and safety risks, while domestic manufacturers lack sufficient capacity to meet the country’s security requirements.
The new tariffs will take effect in 21 days, the White House said.
However, tariffs on drone components deemed less sensitive will take effect 180 days after the proclamation is signed.
The administration also said products approved by the Pentagon for exemption from the Federal Communications Commission’s “Covered List” within 20 days of the proclamation will be subject to tariffs beginning 180 days after signing.
The measures represent another expansion of Trump’s tariff policy, which has become a central part of his trade and foreign policy agenda despite legal challenges and criticism from some analysts.
Boluwatife Enome
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