Trump imposes maximum 100% tariff on imported drones and parts

US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Thursday imposing a maximum 100% tariff on imported drones and drone parts. The move was taken citing concerns about national security and supply chain.

The White House said that drones considered particularly sensitive to national security will be subject to a 100% ad valorem tariff. This includes drones weighing more than 25 kg (55 pounds), drones with thermal imaging capabilities, docking stations for these drones and some critical components.

On the other hand, smaller drones that do not have certain sensitive technology or capabilities and some other components will be subject to a 25% tariff.

Drones and parts imported from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan will be subject to a 15% tariff. And the tariff rate for eligible products imported from the UK will be 10 percent, but the condition is that almost all of the hardware, software and technology of the product must be produced or originated in those countries and the United States.

Most of the new tariffs will take effect 21 days after the signing of the declaration. However, tariffs on some components that are not particularly sensitive to national security will take effect after 180 days.

The White House claims that the main goal of this step is to increase drone production in the United States and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for critical drone technology and parts.

Source: Anadolu Agency