The Trump administration announced tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones and components, with heavier drones over 25 kilograms or those with certain capabilities facing the top rate and smaller drones taxed at 25%. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick concluded the U.S. is 'too reliant' on foreign unmanned aircraft systems, according to the proclamation, which invokes Section 232 national security authority rather than the emergency powers the Supreme Court ruled in February that Trump had exceeded.
Though the announcement doesn't mention China, Chinese drone exports to the U.S. already fell to about $50 million in the first half of this year, roughly half the prior year's pace, following FCC restrictions on new foreign-made models including DJI, which held about 70% of the U.S. commercial drone market last year. Trading partners with existing deals, including the EU, Japan, Switzerland and Taiwan, get a reduced 15% rate; the U.K. gets 10%.
Shares of U.S. drone makers AeroVironment, Aevex and parts supplier Unusual Machines rose after the announcement. Most tariffs take effect in 21 days, with duties on less-sensitive components delayed 180 days, and analysts describe the move as part of an escalating pattern of low-grade trade actions ahead of an expected Trump-Xi meeting.
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