SECURING AMERICAN DRONE DOMINANCE: President Donald J. Trump has enacted a Proclamation designed to tackle the national security risks associated with importing drones and their components. The move aims to bolster the U.S. drone industry and its supply chain.
- The Proclamation enforces a 100% ad valorem tariff on drones of specific sizes or capabilities that are deemed sensitive to national security. This includes docking stations and critical components of these drones, particularly those with a maximum takeoff weight over 25 kilograms or equipped with thermal imaging capabilities.
- A 25% ad valorem tariff is applied to smaller drones and those lacking specific capabilities that raise national security concerns, along with other drone components.
- Drones and components originating from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan will face a 15% ad valorem tariff. A 10% tariff will apply to those from the United Kingdom, provided that the majority of hardware, software, and technology comes from these countries and the United States.
- The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to create an onshoring program to encourage new investments in drone and component manufacturing within the United States.
- The tariffs are set to activate 21 days after the proclamation is signed. For less sensitive drone components, the tariffs will commence 180 days post-signing.
- Tariffs on products and components granted exemption by the Department of War from the Federal Communications Commission’s Covered List will also begin 180 days after signing, contingent on approval within 20 days.
STRENGTHENING NATIONAL SECURITY: This tariff initiative by President Trump aims to safeguard U.S. national security and fortify the defense-related industrial base, while also fostering American job creation.
- Drones play a pivotal role in modern warfare and are essential for current and future U.S. military operations.
- The reliance on foreign sources for critical Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) components in both commercial and military drones poses national security risks and potential cybersecurity threats.
- Rapid expansion of U.S. drone manufacturing is crucial for securing national and economic interests.
BUILDING ON A RECORD OF SECURING CRITICAL INDUSTRIES: President Trump has consistently emphasized that the strength of America’s national security and economy is rooted in revitalizing critical sectors of the industrial base.
- During his first term, President Trump utilized Section 232 to confront long-standing trade policies that weakened domestic steel and aluminum industries, which are vital to national security.
- Since resuming office, he has continued using Section 232 to fortify domestic manufacturing essential for national and economic security, implementing and intensifying tariffs on key goods such as steel, aluminum, copper, trucks, automobiles, timber, lumber, and pharmaceuticals.
- In June 2025, an Executive Order was signed by President Trump to promote American drone dominance, ensuring leadership in drone development, commercialization, and export by prioritizing U.S.-manufactured drones and safeguarding technology from foreign influence.
- Another Executive Order in June 2025 focused on maintaining American control over its airspace to prevent drone misuse.
- Through strategic tariff use and negotiations with international trading partners, President Trump has secured massive private and foreign investments, bringing jobs and manufacturing back to the U.S. while diversifying supply chains and reducing reliance on adversarial countries.
