WASHINGTON, Sep 03 (Alliance News): New US tariffs of up to 100% on drones and certain components took effect Thursday as Washington seeks to reduce its dependence on foreign imports and strengthen domestic supply chains.
US President Donald Trump signed an order setting out the tariffs in August, with the White House citing “the national security threat posed by imports of drones and their components.”
Under the new measures, drones weighing more than 25 kilograms, along with drones equipped with thermal imaging capabilities and docking stations, face a 100% tariff.
Smaller drones will be subject to a 25% duty.
Certain drone components considered “not particularly sensitive” will also face tariffs, although those duties will take effect from February 9 next year.
China opposed the tariffs after they were announced, urging Washington to withdraw the measures.
A Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson said the tariffs would disrupt global drone supply chains and undermine a fair and competitive market environment.
China’s opposition comes as Chinese manufacturers maintain a dominant position in the global drone industry.
DJI, a Chinese company founded in 2006, has accounted for more than two-thirds of the global drone market in recent years, according to several studies.
The company has faced growing restrictions in the United States. Since 2022, DJI has been included on a US list of Chinese companies alleged to have links with China’s military, limiting its access to US technology.
DJI has challenged its inclusion on the list.
The new tariffs are part of broader US efforts to expand domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on Chinese technology and supply chains in sectors considered strategically important to national security.
