White House Imposes New Tariffs on Imported Drones and Components

Section 232 action sets tariffs of 25% to 100%, with lower rates for qualifying allied supply chains and incentives for U.S. manufacturing

President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs on imported drones and certain drone components following a Commerce Department national security investigation.

The August 13 proclamation uses Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to establish additional tariffs ranging from 25% to 100%. Most take effect September 3, 2026. Certain component tariffs take effect February 9, 2027.

Commerce opened its Section 232 investigation on July 1, 2025. The investigation examined U.S. reliance on foreign sources of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their components.

The proclamation states:

“UAS and UAS components are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States.”

The White House cited the importance of drones for military operations as well as law enforcement, mapping, agriculture, disaster relief, search and rescue and other applications.

Tariffs Range From 25% to 100%

The highest new tariff applies to drones weighing more than 25 kilograms and drones equipped with thermal imaging. Covered products face an additional 100% Section 232 tariff.

That means size is not the only factor. Imported thermal drones weighing 25 kilograms or less also fall under the 100% category. Annex I includes thermal-equipped aircraft across weight classes from 250 grams or less through 25 kilograms.

Smaller drones without thermal imaging face a 25% Section 232 tariff. Annex II covers UAS weighing up to 25 kilograms, including remotely controlled and non-remotely-controlled aircraft.

The 100% category also includes docking stations and certain covered components.

These are additional Section 232 duties, not necessarily the total tariff burden. Other applicable duties and charges continue to apply.

U.S. Manufacturers Also Depend on Foreign Components

The proclamation acknowledges that foreign supply-chain dependence extends to drones manufactured domestically: “Most commercial and industrial UAS, even those produced in the United States, incorporate critical parts and components produced overseas.”

The White House identifies motors, electronic speed controllers, lithium-ion batteries and docking stations among areas of foreign dependence.

The tariff annexes do not, however, impose a tariff on every imported motor, battery or electronic speed controller. Annex I identifies specific classifications, including static converters, certain electrical control equipment and covered aircraft parts.

Annex III covers specified aircraft-parts classifications, including propellers and rotors, undercarriages and other aircraft parts imported for UAS use. The 25% Section 232 tariff on those products takes effect February 9, 2027.

Incentives for U.S. Manufacturing

The proclamation also directs Commerce to establish an onshoring program for companies investing in U.S. production of drones and components.

Companies can submit plans to build, refurbish or expand U.S. manufacturing facilities. Approved companies may receive tariff benefits for covered imports while those investments are underway.

The proclamation says the measures are intended to: “promote investment, employment, manufacturing, and innovation in the United States for UAS and UAS components and accessories.”

Approved plans will be monitored by Commerce, which can rescind benefits if companies substantially fail to meet their commitments.

The program also connects with the FCC Covered List process. The proclamation directs Commerce to consider certain onshoring plans approved by the Department of War or Department of Homeland Security and provides for coordination among the agencies.

Lower Rates for Qualifying Allied Supply Chains

The proclamation provides different tariff treatment for qualifying products from several U.S. allies and trading partners.

Products from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and European Union countries can qualify for a rate no higher than 15%. Qualifying UK products receive a rate no higher than 10%.

Eligibility goes beyond where the finished drone is produced. The proclamation requires that “substantially all the critical components and technology” come from the United States or designated countries.

Commerce will establish the process for determining which products qualify.

Part of a Broader Drone Policy

The tariff action follows the June 2025 Unleashing American Drone Dominance executive order, which called for measures to expand domestic drone manufacturing and strengthen U.S. supply chains. Commerce opened its Section 232 investigation the following month.

Most of the new tariffs take effect September 3. The 25% tariffs on additional covered components follow in February 2027.

Commerce can also add UAS components to the tariff program if it determines that their imports contribute to the national security concerns identified in the proclamation or undermine the action. Commerce must provide the President with an update within 120 days.

The measures combine import tariffs, preferential treatment for qualifying allied supply chains and incentives for companies to expand U.S. drone and component manufacturing.

Read more:

• The Potential Impact of U.S. Tariffs on the Indian Drone Industry
• America’s Drone Ecosystem at a Crossroads: The Dual Approach to Boosting Domestic Industry and Addressing Chinese Platforms
• Can the U.S. Catch Up? Trump’s Executive Orders Aim to Spark Drone Manufacturing Boom