Trump announces steep tariffs on drones, citing US reliance on foreign suppliers

President Trump announced tariffs on foreign drones and components, citing US reliance on foreign suppliers. A 100% tariff applies to sensitive drones, 25% to smaller ones, 15% to drones from the EU, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan, and 10% to UK drones. Tariffs take effect in 21 days, with some components delayed 180 days.

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he will impose tariffs on imports of drones and their components, citing the country's reliance on foreign suppliers. The White House said a proclamation signed by Trump imposes a 100% ad valorem tariff on drones of a certain size or with certain capabilities that are particularly sensitive for national security purposes, and a 25% tariff on smaller drones. A 15% tariff will be imposed on drones and components from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan, and a 10% tariff on drones from the UK. The tariffs will take effect in 21 days, with some components delayed 180 days. Trump said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had probed the effects of imports of unmanned aircraft systems, finding that the US is too reliant on foreign sources and that domestic industry does not produce enough to meet security needs. The move is part of Trump's broader tariff policy despite legal setbacks and criticism.