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US drone tariffs of up to 100% signed by Trump
Tariffs were set to take effect 21 days after the proclamation, with 100% duties for drones over 25kg and thermal-imaging systems.
SCMP Economy reports that President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing tariffs on imported drones and their components, citing national security and cybersecurity risks. Analysts quoted by the outlet said the move could create a lose-lose outcome for both the United States and China as drones become more central to the countries’ tech and trade rivalry.
The measures were scheduled to take effect 21 days after signing. Drones considered especially sensitive, including models with a maximum take-off weight above 25kg or thermal-imaging capabilities, along with docking stations and certain critical components, would face a 100% tariff, while smaller drones would face a 25% duty.
SCMP Economy added that drones and components from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan would face a 15% tariff if substantially all hardware, software, and technology originate in those countries or the United States. Imports from the United Kingdom face a 10% tariff, and the new levies were expected to further complicate manufacturers’ efforts to shift production to third countries or regions already affected by earlier trade restrictions.