President Donald Trump has announced a maximum 100% tariff on imported drones and key components. Products from South Korea will have a tariff cap of 15%.
According to the White House on September 13, Trump signed a proclamation imposing tariffs on drones and related parts under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. This action follows a Department of Commerce investigation that found reliance on foreign drones poses a threat to U.S. national security.
Drones exceeding a takeoff weight of 25 kg and those equipped with thermal imaging capabilities will be subject to a 100% tariff. Charging and waiting devices for these drones, along with certain key components, will also face the same tariff.
Drones weighing 25 kg or less that do not have sensitive national security features, along with some parts, will incur a 25% tariff.
The 100% tariff will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on September 3, while the 25% tariff will be implemented starting February 9, 2027.
Exceptions will apply to products from South Korea, Japan, the European Union, Taiwan, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. If key components and technology are produced in the U.S. or these countries, the final tariff rate will be capped at 15%. For products from the United Kingdom, the maximum rate will be 10 under the same conditions.
The White House stated, "Drones are a core technology for modern warfare and U.S. military operations," adding that the measure aims to protect the U.S. drone and defense industries.
While the proclamation does not explicitly mention China, it is interpreted as a move to reduce dependence on Chinese drones. The South Korean government also suggested strengthening supply chain cooperation with allied countries, noting in a submission to the U.S. Department of Commerce last year that "a few companies from specific countries dominate the drone market."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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