Trump slaps up to 100% tariffs on drones in fresh crackdown on Chinese tech

President Donald Trump imposed a huge 100% tariff on imported drones to challenge China’s market grip. The White House has so far framed the decision as a national security measure, slapping a 100% duty on certain unmanned aircraft systems, including those exceeding 25 kilograms and those with specialized security capabilities, while smaller drone models are subject to a 25% import tax.

Some U.S.-allied nations are also facing relatively low tax rates. A 15% tariff will apply to drones and components from the EU, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan. Imports from the UK will be charged a 10% tariff if nearly all of their hardware, software, and technology are sourced domestically or from the U.S. 

The drone tariffs will take effect in September

The White House has argued that the tariffs will help strengthen domestic manufacturing of drones and related parts while cutting dependence on foreign suppliers. It emphasized that the U.S. needs to quickly scale up drone manufacturing to protect its national and economic security. 

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