US locks on drone imports with up to 100pc tariffs
New US tariffs of up to 100 percent took effect on Thursday on drones and certain components, as Washington pushes to lower its import reliance in an industry that China dominates. US President Donald Trump signed an order setting out the duties in August, as the White House flagged "the national security threat posed by imports of drones and their components." The order also aims to boost…
On Thursday, the United States implemented tariffs of up to 100 percent on drones and certain components, as part of efforts to reduce its reliance on imports from China. President Donald Trump signed an order in August outlining these duties, which the White House stated were aimed at addressing national security concerns and promoting domestic supply chains.
The order applies to drones weighing over 25 kilograms, along with those equipped with thermal imaging and docking stations, subjecting them to a full 100 percent tariff. In contrast, smaller drones are subject to a 25 percent duty. Certain non-sensitive drone components will also be taxed, but these measures will not take effect until February 9.
China promptly opposed the tariff plan, with a Commerce Ministry spokesperson warning that it would disrupt the global drone supply chain and harm a fair market environment. The country firmly rejected the new duties. DJI, the Chinese drone manufacturer founded in 2006, holds over two-thirds of the global market share, according to multiple studies.
Since 2022, DJI has been listed as a company posing unacceptable risks to US national security, a designation the company has contested.
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