US slaps 100% tariffs on drones with thermal cameras and aircraft parts
President Donald Trump has signed an executive action imposing a 100% tariff on imports of drones equipped with thermal cameras, unmanned aircraft weighing over 25 kilograms (57 pounds), and any parts for unmanned aircraft systems over that weight threshold. For all other drones — including compact consumer models under 250 grams — the tariff is set at 25%.
The measure follows an earlier US ban on future foreign-made drones, routers, robots, and Roombas. Now the administration is targeting existing drone imports and components, effectively making approved aircraft significantly more expensive for American buyers.
The executive action includes a notable loophole: companies that commit to manufacturing some of their drones or aircraft parts in the United States will be exempt from the tariffs. Trump previously floated a similar arrangement when he threatened a 100% tariff on computer chips last year.
The tariff schedule offers reduced rates for certain trading partners. The European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan will face a 15% rate, while the United Kingdom gets a 10% rate. These preferential terms apply provided that substantially all hardware, software, and technology originate from within those countries or the United States.
Among the stated justifications for the new tariffs, the administration cites that many US commercial manufacturers producing unmanned aircraft systems domestically remain heavily dependent on foreign sources for critical components. The policy is designed to push manufacturers to relocate production to the US and reduce reliance on overseas supply chains.
The move escalates the administration's trade pressure on the drone industry, extending beyond the previously announced ban on new foreign drones to affect hardware already approved for use in the country. Industry observers expect the tariffs to raise costs for commercial operators and government agencies relying on imported drones and spare parts.
