The United States implemented tariffs reaching 100 percent on unmanned aerial vehicles and some drone components effective Thursday, part of a push to reduce import dependence on a sector dominated by China. The White House said Chinese-made drones and components pose a national security threat. President Trump signed the decision determining the tariffs in August.
Tariff structure
Drones with maximum takeoff weight over 25 kilograms face the 100 percent tariff, along with models equipped with thermal imaging and dock stations. Smaller drones carry a 25 percent tariff. Tariffs on less sensitive drone components take effect from 9 February next year.
US officials argue that dependence on Chinese-made drones produced primarily by market leader DJI exposes the country’s military and critical infrastructure to risks of disruption, espionage and field disadvantage. Drones have become a fundamental element of modern warfare and surveillance as demonstrated by the Ukraine war. DJI controlled about two-thirds of the global drone market in recent years and has been on the US list of Chinese companies with reported military connections since 2022, subject to restrictions on access to US technology. DJI was founded in 2006 and is contesting its placement on the list through legal proceedings.
Chinese response
China announced opposition to the tariffs and called on Washington to withdraw them. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said the tariffs will disrupt the global drone supply chain and further weaken a fair and competitive market environment.
Source: The White House
