Trump imposes up to 100% tariffs on drone imports
President Trump signed a proclamation imposing a 100 percent tariff on large or thermal-imaging-capable drones imported into the US, citing national security risks from foreign supply chains. Smaller consumer drones face a 25 percent tariff.
President Trump signed a proclamation on August 13, 2026 imposing steep new tariffs on imported drones and their components. Drones over 25 kilograms or with thermal imaging capability face a 100 percent tariff, along with their docking stations and critical components. Smaller consumer drones face 25 percent. Allied nations including the EU, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Switzerland and Liechtenstein get a reduced 15 percent rate, and the UK 10 percent, provided their supply chains originate domestically. The White House cites overreliance on foreign unmanned aircraft systems as a national security and cybersecurity risk, and the proclamation authorizes an onshoring program for US drone manufacturing investment. The tariffs take effect in 21 days, with a 180-day window for less sensitive components.