US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing tariffs on imported drones and their components, citing the country's dependence on foreign suppliers and risks to national security. The maximum rate will reach 100%, with new tariffs taking effect within 21 days.
The 100% rate will apply to drones with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 25 kilograms, as well as those equipped with thermal imaging. Some docking stations and critical components of such unmanned aerial vehicles will also fall under the same rate. Smaller models will face a 25% tariff.
Separate rates are set for products from several US partner countries. Drones and components from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan will be subject to a 15% tariff, while imports from the UK will face a 10% rate. Preferential tariffs will apply if requirements for the origin of equipment, software, and technology are met.
The decision follows a review conducted by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The administration concluded that the American market is significantly dependent on foreign drones and their components, and foreign suppliers pose potential security threats. Meanwhile, domestic production in the US, according to the administration, is not yet able to fully meet the country's needs.
For less sensitive components, the implementation period for tariffs will be longer—up to 180 days. The same timeframe is set for certain goods that the Pentagon may exempt from restrictions by the US Federal Communications Commission.
Simultaneously, the Department of Commerce will be empowered to launch a program to support domestic drone manufacturing. Companies investing in new production facilities and the manufacturing of drones and their components will be able to obtain additional conditions for the development of the American industry.
It is worth recalling that in July, the US imposed tariffs of 10–12.5% on goods from more than 80 countries, which account for nearly all American imports. The new tariffs do not apply to oil, gas, fertilizers, certain food products, critical minerals, and specific categories of automobiles and metals.
Source: podrobno.uz