Donald Trump announces tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones

On March 9, 2026, President Donald Trump announced tariffs of up to 100 percent on imported drones and their components, aiming to reduce US reliance on foreign drones primarily from China. Addressing the decision on national security grounds, the White House stated that a 100 percent duty rate would apply to certain unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with a takeoff weight exceeding 25 kilograms and featuring national security capabilities like thermal cameras and docking stations.

Smaller drones would face a 25 percent tariff. Most new tariffs are set to take effect on September 3, targeting industrial and commercial drones, as well as smaller hobbyist drones to a lesser extent. Clayton Swope, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told AFP that the tariffs aim to encourage domestic drone production to reduce the risk of unauthorized surveillance, data exfiltration, and other threats to the homeland.

In December 2025, the US Federal Communications Commission argued that domestic drone production would enhance security by minimizing direct UAS attacks and disruptions. The Chinese drone manufacturer DJI dominates the global market, holding over two-thirds of it, and has been a target of US scrutiny for potential threats to national security.

China responded to the US tariffs by imposing restrictions on drone exports and blacklisting six companies, coinciding with additional US sanctions over forced labor and national security concerns.