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Up to 100% drone tariffs
President Donald Trump announced tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones and components, with the measures set to take effect in 21 days.
“imposes tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones and components”
France 24 reported that the White House said a proclamation signed by Trump imposes a 100% ad valorem tariff on drones of a certain size or with certain capabilities that are particularly sensitive for national security purposes, while a 25% tariff applies to smaller drones.
The White House also said a 15% tariff will be imposed on drones and components from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan, and a 10% ad valorem tariff will be imposed on drones from the UK.
Trump said in the proclamation text released by the White House that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had found the United States was "too reliant" on foreign sources of UAS and UAS components.
The Free Malaysia Today account added that the 100% duty rate applies to unmanned aircraft systems including those with a take-off weight of more than 25kg and national security capabilities such as thermal imagers and docking stations.
Lutnick findings and timing
France 24 said Trump cited national security concerns and a need to reduce US reliance on foreign suppliers, and it reported that the tariffs will take effect in 21 days.
In the same reporting, Trump said the Secretary found that import penetration from foreign producers of UAS is substantial and that the United States is too reliant on foreign sources of UAS and UAS components.
France 24 also said a 15% tariff will be imposed on drones and components from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan, and a 10% ad valorem tariff will be imposed on drones from the UK.
The Business Times said the proclamation signed by Trump imposes a 100 per cent ad valorem tariff on drones that are sensitive for national security purposes, and it added that a tariff of 25 per cent will be imposed on drones that are smaller in size.
The Business Times further reported that for components of drones that are not particularly sensitive, the tariffs will take effect 180 days after signing, and for products the Pentagon 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.
Industrial capacity overhaul
Florida’s Voice said Trump signed two national security actions Thursday aimed at strengthening U.S. military industrial capacity, directing major reforms to Navy shipbuilding while imposing steep tariffs on imported drones and their components.
“places tariffs as high as 100% on certain unmanned aircraft systems”
It reported that the first action, a National Security Presidential Memorandum, orders the Department of War to fix long-standing problems in Navy ship construction and repair by restoring capacity, competition and simpler designs.
Florida’s Voice said the second action, a presidential proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, places tariffs as high as 100% on certain unmanned aircraft systems after a Commerce Department investigation found that heavy dependence on foreign drones and parts threatens national security.
The same source said the proclamation imposes a 100% ad valorem tariff on unmanned aircraft systems with a maximum takeoff weight greater than 25 kilograms, and a 25% ad valorem tariff on smaller unmanned aircraft systems (25 kilograms or less).
Florida’s Voice also stated that main tariffs take effect Sept. 3, 2026, while some component tariffs and products from companies on certain Department of War or Federal Communications Commission lists take effect after 180 days.
