Trump imposes tariffs of up to 100% on drone imports

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he would impose tariffs on drone imports and their spare parts, including those from some of the country’s key allies, as his administration noted that the United States “relies excessively” on foreign sources for drones.

The White House added that a 15 percent tariff would be imposed on drones and their components imported from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan, while a 10 percent ad valorem tariff would be applied to drones imported from the United Kingdom.

Trump has made tariffs a cornerstone of his foreign and trade policies, despite legal setbacks and criticism from some analysts.

In the statement released by the White House, Trump said that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick conducted an investigation into the impact of drone system imports.

Trump added that Lutnick concluded that drones and components imported from certain foreign entities “pose risks to security and safety,” and that the domestic US industry does not produce enough to meet security needs.

He noted that for drone components that are not considered particularly sensitive, the tariffs would take effect 180 days after signing.