An executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump introduces new tariffs on imports into the United States of certain unmanned aerial vehicles and some components used in these systems.
The executive order published by the White House aims to counter national security threats arising from imports of unmanned aerial vehicles and components, while strengthening the U.S. unmanned systems sector and its supply chains.
Products subject to a 100% tariff
Unmanned aerial vehicles with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 25 kilograms or equipped with thermal imaging, as well as ground stations for these vehicles and certain critical components, will be subject to a 100% ad valorem tariff.
A 25% tariff will apply to smaller unmanned aerial vehicles that do not have features considered particularly sensitive from a national security perspective, as well as to certain other components.
Tariffs vary by country
Unmanned aerial vehicles and components imported from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan will face a 15% tariff. The rate for unmanned aerial vehicles imported from the United Kingdom will be 10%.
For these rates to apply, the equipment, software and technologies must be substantially originating in the relevant countries or the United States.
Tariffs will take effect on September 3
The new tariffs introduced by the executive order will take effect 21 days after it was signed, on September 3. Tariffs on unmanned aerial vehicle components not considered particularly sensitive will begin after 180 days.
The measure also authorizes the U.S. Department of Commerce to develop a program to encourage domestic production by companies investing in the production of unmanned aerial vehicles and components.
