WASHINGTON: New US tariffs of up to 100 per cent on drones and selected drone-related products came into effect Thursday, marking a major step by Washington to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers in an industry heavily dominated by China.
US President Donald Trump signed an order in August introducing the new duties, with the White House citing national security concerns linked to imports of drones and their components. The policy is also aimed at encouraging stronger domestic supply chains and expanding production within the United States.
Under the new tariff structure, drones weighing more than 25 kilograms at takeoff will attract a 100 per cent duty. The same rate applies to drones equipped with thermal imaging technology and docking stations.
Smaller drones will be subject to a 25 per cent tariff under the new measures.
Additional duties on certain drone components classified as less sensitive will be introduced from February 9 next year, rather than taking effect immediately.
China opposes Washington’s move
Beijing has criticised the tariffs since their announcement, calling on Washington to withdraw the measures.
A Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson said the duties could disrupt international drone supply chains and undermine what Beijing described as a fair and competitive market. China has firmly opposed the policy.
The move comes as Chinese manufacturers maintain a dominant position in the global commercial drone industry.
DJI, the Chinese drone maker founded in 2006, has accounted for more than two-thirds of the worldwide drone market in recent years, according to several industry studies.
The company has also faced growing restrictions in the US. Since 2022, DJI has been included on a US government list of Chinese companies linked to China’s military, limiting its access to certain American technologies.
DJI has challenged its inclusion on the list, while Washington has continued to scrutinise the company’s operations and technology links.