US President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs of up to 100 per cent on imported drones and certain drone components, in a move aimed at strengthening domestic production and reducing America’s reliance on foreign suppliers.
According to a White House statement released Thursday, the highest tariff will apply to certain unmanned aircraft systems weighing more than 25 kilograms and equipped with national security-related capabilities, including thermal imaging systems and docking stations.
Smaller drones will face a 25 per cent tariff under the new policy.
The White House said the tariffs are intended to encourage manufacturers to produce drones and their components within the United States while reducing dependence on foreign supply chains.
The move comes as China maintains a dominant position in the global drone industry. Chinese manufacturer DJI, founded in 2006, has accounted for more than two-thirds of the global drone market in recent years, according to studies cited in the report.
Most of the new tariffs are scheduled to take effect on September 3.
The announcement also comes amid growing trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. China last week announced restrictions on drone exports to the US and blacklisted six companies in response to American trade sanctions linked to forced labour and national security concerns.
The latest measures add another layer to the ongoing trade dispute between the two economic powers, with the US seeking to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce its dependence on Chinese technology.
Source: White House statement; AFP.
