Trump Imposes Up to 100% Tariffs on Foreign Drones to Counter China

The Trump administration has implemented tariffs of up to 100 percent on foreign-made drones and components in a direct move to curb reliance on Chinese technology and bolster domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Under the new trade measures, drones weighing over 25 kilograms or equipped with advanced thermal imaging capabilities face the maximum 100 percent levy. Smaller consumer drones are subject to a 25 percent duty, while reduced rates ranging between 10 and 15 percent have been assigned to allied partners, including the EU, Japan, South Korea, and the UK.

Washington defended the decision as essential for national security, specifically citing the market dominance of Chinese manufacturers like DJI. China's Commerce Ministry firmly opposed the move, warning it would distort global supply chains, while US public safety agencies expressed concern over rising equipment costs.