Trump imposes 100% tariffs on large drones and unmanned aircraft parts

President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping tariff on U.S. imports of unmanned aerial vehicles and related components. The administration will impose a 100 % duty on drones equipped with thermal imaging, on any drone weighing more than 25 kg (57 lb), and on every part of an unmanned aircraft that meets that weight threshold. The measure, part of a broader effort to curb foreign drone technology, also targets parts that could be used to assemble such aircraft. For all other drones—including lightweight consumer models under 250 g—the tariff remains unchanged.

The tariff announcement follows earlier restrictions that barred new foreign drone manufacturers from operating in the United States unless they complied with stringent regulatory requirements. The new policy is intended to raise the cost of importing advanced drone systems and to protect domestic security interests. The full list of affected products and the legal basis for the tariffs are available through the Department of Commerce’s official release.

Industry observers note that the 100 % duty will likely increase the retail price of imported drones and parts, potentially shifting demand toward domestic suppliers or alternative technologies. The policy is expected to take effect immediately, with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency responsible for enforcing the new duties on all relevant shipments.