Trump Announces Up to 100% Tariffs on Drone Imports, Citing National Security

August 14, 2026

Washington: US President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs of up to 100 per cent on imports of unmanned drones and their components, saying the move is aimed at reducing the United States’ dependence on foreign suppliers in a sector largely dominated by China.

According to a White House statement, the tariffs were imposed on national security grounds and are intended to encourage greater domestic production of drones and related components.

Larger drones to face 100% tariff

Under the new measures, certain unmanned aircraft systems will attract a 100 per cent tariff, particularly larger drones weighing more than 25 kg and systems equipped with technologies considered sensitive to US national security.

These capabilities include technologies such as thermal imagers and docking stations, which are used in advanced drone operations.

Smaller drones will face a lower tariff rate of 25 per cent under the new policy.

The White House said the measures would help strengthen the US drone manufacturing industry, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains and encourage domestic production.

China dominates global drone market

China currently has a major presence in the global drone industry. Chinese manufacturer DJI, founded in 2006, has captured more than two-thirds of the global drone market in recent years, according to several studies.

The latest US action comes amid growing trade and technology tensions between Washington and Beijing, with both countries increasingly imposing restrictions on products and companies linked to strategic industries.

Most of the newly announced US tariff duties are expected to take effect from September 3.

Tariffs come amid fresh US-China trade tensions

The announcement follows China’s recent measures targeting the drone sector. Beijing last week announced restrictions on drone exports to the United States and blacklisted six companies.

China said the action was in response to trade sanctions imposed by Washington over concerns related to forced labour and national security.

The Chinese measures came only days after the United States announced fresh tariffs on China and 59 other countries.

The latest decision adds drones and related components to the growing list of products affected by trade restrictions between the world’s two largest economies.

Washington maintains that the tariffs will strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported drone technology, while the wider dispute between the US and China continues to intensify over trade, advanced technology and national security.