08/14/2026
The administration announced on Thursday tariffs of up to 100% on imports of unmanned drones and their components to reduce U.S. reliance on imports in an industry dominated by China.
The decision is based on verified national security grounds, according to a White House statement that detailed a 100% duty rate on the import of certain unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), as they are formally known.
The Chinese company DJI, founded in 2006, has captured more than two-thirds of the global drone market in recent years, according to several studies.
Those with a takeoff weight of more than 25 kilograms and with so-called national security capabilities such as thermal cameras and docking stations will be tariffed at 100%.
Smaller drones face a 25% tariff.
The statement said the tariffs will "encourage increased domestic production" of drones and their components and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
