BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
1. In the last 90 days, the Secretary of Commerce submitted a report detailing the investigation into the impact of importing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their components on U.S. national security, under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (19 U.S.C. 1862). The Secretary concluded that the influx of UAS imports poses a threat to national security and recommended actions to prevent this impairment.
2. The report highlighted the critical role of UAS and their components in the national and economic security of the U.S. UAS technology is vital for current and future military operations, proving effective in conflicts where low-cost UAS can damage more costly systems. They are utilized across various government departments for law enforcement, research, environmental monitoring, mapping, surveillance, and disaster relief, among other functions. UAS also play a pivotal role in safeguarding critical infrastructure from adversaries.
3. The Secretary identified a significant dependency on foreign UAS manufacturers, which compromises national security due to potential disruptions in supply chains caused by geopolitical events or natural disasters. Although some U.S. companies produce UAS domestically, they often rely on foreign-made components, which introduces unacceptable vulnerabilities.
4. UAS and components from certain foreign entities are seen as security risks, as their software can transmit data back to the manufacturers abroad, potentially exploited by foreign governments. This data transmission is embedded within the UAS’s operating system, beyond the control of operators.
5. The domestic industry currently cannot meet the demand for UAS and components, which are essential for national security. The Secretary expressed concerns about the industry’s capacity to produce these at the necessary speed and scale, especially during wartime or in maintaining economic competitiveness. An expansion of domestic production capacity is deemed necessary.
6. The Secretary warned that without intervention, foreign imports and unfair trade practices would continue to harm the U.S. UAS industry, discouraging domestic investment in production and workforce development.
7. To address these issues, the Secretary recommended several measures, including imposing a high ad valorem duty on UAS exceeding 25 kilograms due to their potential military applications. Similar tariffs were suggested for UAS docking stations. Lower duties were advised for UAS under 25 kilograms and certain critical components, with an initial delay to encourage domestic production. An onshoring program offering preferential tariffs for new U.S. manufacturing facilities was also proposed.
8. After reviewing the Secretary’s findings, I agree that the volume and nature of UAS imports threaten national security. I deem it necessary to implement a plan to adjust these imports in accordance with the recommendations.
9. I have decided to impose ad valorem duties on specific UAS and components. A 100% duty will apply to UAS over 25 kilograms, those with thermal imagers, docking stations, and other components listed in Annex I. A 25% duty will apply to UAS under 25 kilograms as listed in Annex II.
10. A 25% duty will also be implemented on certain components listed in Annex III, effective 180 days post-proclamation to stimulate domestic production.
11. The Secretary is authorized to expand the scope of tariffs to additional components if they pose a security threat.
12. An incentive program will be established to encourage investment in U.S. production facilities for UAS and components.
13. These measures aim to enhance domestic production, reduce reliance on foreign sources, and promote investment and innovation within the U.S., thereby strengthening national security and economic resilience.
14. Section 232 empowers the President to adjust imports threatening national security.
15. Section 604 allows the President to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to reflect necessary changes.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, under the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 232, section 604, and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, hereby proclaim:
(1) Effective September 3, 2026, the HTSUS is modified as per Annex IV, with an ad valorem rate of:
(a) 100% for UAS and components in Annex I, unless a lower rate is provided;
(b) 25% for UAS in Annex II, unless a lower rate is provided.
(2) From February 9, 2027, a 25% duty will apply to components in Annex III, unless a lower rate is applicable.
(3) These duties remain until explicitly changed, in addition to existing charges.
(4) For products from specified countries, duties will not exceed 15% or 10% if certified by importers as originating from approved nations.
(5) The Secretary can extend tariffs to additional components threatening security.
(6) A program will incentivize U.S. production of UAS and components.
(7) Companies on specified lists as of September 2, 2026, have 180 days from this proclamation’s date for certain product duties.
(8) Drawback claims are available under specific conditions for articles meeting set criteria.
(9) Products in Annex I to III entering foreign trade zones post-effective date must be admitted as privileged foreign status.
(10) The Secretary, in consultation with specified officials, will determine necessary HTSUS modifications, issuing notices in the Federal Register.
(11) The Secretary will monitor UAS imports and advise the President on further actions if needed.
(12) The Secretary and Homeland Security are empowered to implement this proclamation, employing necessary powers.
(13) The Secretary may issue relevant rules and guidance.
(14) Homeland Security may enforce this proclamation and its tariff regime.
(15) Conflicting provisions in prior proclamations or orders are superseded.
(16) Invalid provisions do not affect the remainder of the proclamation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand this thirteenth day of August, in the year two thousand twenty-six, marking the two hundred fifty-first year of U.S. Independence.
ANNEX I
ANNEX II
ANNEX III
ANNEX IV
DONALD J. TRUMP
