The US government is set to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports of drones and related components, with measures in place to mitigate the burden on Japan.
On August 13, 2026, President Donald Trump signed a decree imposing tariffs on imports of drones and related components from foreign countries. The aim is to strengthen the U.S. domestic drone industry and national security.
Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Bolsters National Security and Strengthens US Supply Chains by Imposing Tariffs on Drones and Their Parts and Components – The White House
Donald Trump launches tariffs targeting Chinese drone technology
US imposes up to 100% tariffs on foreign-made drones and components — China remains primary target as Washington moves to reduce reliance on overseas suppliers | Tom's Hardware
https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/drones/us-imposes-up-to-100-percent-tariffs-on-foreign-made-drones-and-components-china-remains-primary-target-as-washington-moves-to-reduce-reliance-on-overseas-suppliers
President Trump explained the tariff decree by saying, 'Drones are a critical technology in modern armed conflict and are essential for current and future U.S. military operations, but domestic drones rely on overseas suppliers for critical components, which poses a significant risk to national security (as data could be transmitted to foreign manufacturers). We need to rapidly expand domestic drone production to ensure America's national and economic security.'
This decree stipulates a 100% tariff on 'drones of a certain size or with certain capabilities that are particularly important to national security, their docking stations, and certain critical components.' This includes drones with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 25 kg and drones equipped with thermal imaging capabilities.
Drones that are small in size and do not possess specific capabilities related to national security will be subject to a 25% tariff. In addition, tariffs on drones and components from Japan, the European Union, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan will be reduced to 15%, and those from the UK will be subject to a 10% tariff.
The United States banned the import of foreign-made drones in December 2025, but allowed the import of parts and assembly within the country. Companies using this method will be hit hard by these new tariffs.
Craig Singleton, an expert on the US-China technology competition, pointed out, 'American companies and government agencies will be forced to switch to domestic or allied suppliers, even if it costs more. While these tariffs still primarily target China, they also aim to prevent money laundering in supply chains.'
Along with the imposition of tariffs, the Secretary of Commerce was given the authority to establish a 'Domestic Production Transfer Program' targeting companies making new investments in the manufacture of drones and drone components. The aim of this program is to encourage foreign companies to relocate their production bases to the United States and strengthen the domestic drone industry.
President Trump stated, 'This tariff program will protect America's national security and defense and defense-related industries, and will support and create jobs for Americans.'
Related Posts:
in Hardware, Posted by log1p_kr