President Trump announced tariffs up to 100 percent on drones deemed “particularly sensitive” for national security, targeting models over 25kg or equipped with docking stations or thermal imaging. The White House says the move will force operators to seek other suppliers or accept less capable alternatives to the Chinese drones that dominate the U.S. market.

Commercial drones from DJI and others used for power line inspection, crop spraying, and search‑and‑rescue will face the highest duty. Smaller drones under 25kg incur a 25 percent tariff, while models from the EU, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan receive a 15 percent levy if components are made locally. UK drones are hit with a 10 percent tariff. The administration aims to strengthen national security and promote “on‑shoring” of drone components, offering incentives for U.S. manufacturers.

The policy closes a loophole that allowed assembly of Chinese‑sourced parts in the United States. It follows an FCC ban on Li DAR‑equipped drones previously approved, though the tariffs appear unrelated to the ongoing U.S. ban on new DJI devices. Experts note that China’s supply chains, engineering expertise, and skilled labor give its drones a technological edge that is difficult to replicate quickly in the U.S.