President Donald Trump on Thursday imposed tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones and components, including those from key US allies. The measures, which will take effect in 21 days, apply to unmanned aircraft systems and their related parts in an effort to cut the nation's reliance on foreign supplies.
The White House announced the tariffs based on national security grounds, stating that the U.S. is too reliant on drones produced overseas. This move aims to reduce reliance on imports in an industry that is currently dominated by China.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick noted that the U.S. is too reliant on foreign unmanned aircraft systems and their parts. According to a White House statement, the tariffs will encourage increased domestic production of drones and their components while reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.