U.S. President Trump announced new tariffs on imports of drones and parts. A 15% rate will apply to several regions, including Japan and South Korea, while certain large drones will face a 100% tariff and small drones a 25% tariff. Imports from the United Kingdom will be subject to a 10% tariff.
The Trump administration announced new tariffs on imports of drones and parts. The covered regions are Japan, South Korea, the EU, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Taiwan, all of which will be subject to a 15% tariff.
The tariff schedule includes rates of up to 100% for large drones and aircraft equipped with thermal imaging processing and detection technology, while other small drones will be subject to a 25% tariff. Imports from the United Kingdom will face a 10% rate.
The new tariffs are scheduled to take effect from 00:01 on 3 September 2026, with the rate for drone parts deemed non-sensitive taking effect from 00:01 on 9 February 2027.
The stated legal basis is Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which was described as granting the U.S. president the authority to regulate imports on national security grounds.