New tariff on drone imports from Trump: Customs duty rises to 100 percent on some products
The White House has introduced new tariffs on the import of drones and critical components, citing national security concerns. The regulation will take effect on September 3.
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US President Donald Trump has signed a decree imposing new customs duties on the import of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and certain critical components. In a statement released by the White House, it was stated that the decision was taken against national security risks that may arise from imports.
Under the regulation, UAVs with a maximum takeoff weight of over 25 kilograms or those with thermal imaging capabilities, as well as docking stations and certain critical parts for these vehicles, will be subject to a 100 percent ad valorem customs duty.
For certain smaller UAVs that do not possess features considered sensitive in terms of national security, as well as other UAV components, a 25 percent customs duty will be applied.
The decision also included different rates based on the country of origin. A 15 percent customs duty will be applied to UAVs and components coming from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan, while a 10 percent duty will be applied to products from the United Kingdom. For these rates to apply, the hardware, software, and technology must be largely of US or the respective country's origin.
The new tariffs are expected to take effect 21 days after the signing of the proclamation, on September 3. Taxes on some UAV components not considered sensitive will begin to be applied after 180 days.
The proclamation also authorized the US Department of Commerce to create an incentive program to support companies making new investments in the production of UAVs and UAV components in the country.