Trump announces tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones

WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump announced on Aug 13 tariffs of up to 100 per cent on imports of unmanned drones and their components to reduce US reliance on imports in an industry dominated by China.

The US president justified the decision on national security grounds, according to a White House statement, detailing a 100 per cent duty rate on the import of certain unmanned aircraft systems, including those with a take-off weight of more than 25kg and with national security capabilities such as thermal imagers and docking stations.

Smaller drones face a 25 per cent tariff.

The statement said the tariffs will “encourage increased domestic production” of drones and their components and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.

The Chinese company DJI, founded in 2006, has captured more than two-thirds of the global drone market in recent years, according to several studies.

Most of the new tariffs duties are set to take effect on Sept 3.

Last week, China announced restrictions on drone exports to the United States and blacklisted six companies in response to trade sanctions imposed by Washington over forced labour and national security concerns.

That move came days after the US imposed fresh tariffs on China and 59 countries. AFP