Trump imposes tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones citing national security

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on August 13, 2026, imposing tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones to address national security and supply chain vulnerabilities. Under the new rules, sensitive drones weighing over 55 pounds or featuring thermal imaging face a 100% tariff, while smaller drones face 25%. Allied nations face lower rates of 10% to 15%. The measures, which take effect in 21 days, aim to boost domestic manufacturing through a new Commerce Department onshoring program amid escalating trade tensions with China.

Trump drone tariff proclamation

• ▪The new drone tariffs are scheduled to take effect 21 days after signing, with tariffs on less sensitive components taking effect 180 days after signing.
• ▪President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on August 13, 2026, imposing tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones and drone components.

National security supply chain risks

• ▪The Trump administration expressed concern that the United States lacks the capacity to produce drones at the speed and scale required to support national security operations during a wartime surge.
• ▪The Trump administration determined that relying on imported drones poses cybersecurity vulnerabilities and national security risks through dependence on unreliable supply chains.
• ▪Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick investigated drone imports and determined that the United States is too reliant on foreign sources of unmanned aircraft systems and components.

Tariff rates by drone type

• ▪The 100% tariff rate also applies to docking stations and critical components of sensitive drones.
• ▪A 100% tariff will apply to particularly sensitive drones, including those with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 55 pounds (25 kilograms) or those equipped with thermal imaging capabilities.
• ▪Smaller imported drones with less pressing security concerns will face a 25% tariff.

Country-specific tariff rates

• ▪A 10% tariff will be imposed on drones and components imported from the United Kingdom.
• ▪A 15% tariff will be imposed on drones and components from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan.

Domestic manufacturing onshoring program

• ▪The White House stated that the drone tariff decision is aimed at strengthening the American drone industry and developing domestic supply chains.
• ▪The proclamation authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish an onshoring program to encourage companies to relocate drone and component manufacturing to the United States.

China-US drone trade tensions

• ▪The drone tariffs follow a move by Beijing to tighten drone exports to the United States, subjecting key components and technologies to case-by-case reviews.
• ▪Analysts stated that the new drone tariffs would result in a lose-lose outcome for the United States and China, further complicating manufacturers' efforts to shift production.

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