Under the new measures, a 100% tariff will apply to certain unmanned drone systems weighing more than 25KG.
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has announced tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones and drone components, citing national security concerns, the White House said.
Under the new measures, a 100% tariff will apply to certain unmanned drone systems weighing more than 25 kilograms and equipped with capabilities such as thermal imaging and docking stations.
Smaller drones will face a 25% tariff, according to the White House. Most of the new tariffs are scheduled to take effect on Sept. 3.
The White House said the measures are aimed at boosting domestic production of drones and their components and reducing U.S. dependence on foreign supply chains.
The announcement comes after China last week imposed restrictions on drone exports to the United States and blacklisted six companies in response to U.S. trade measures related to forced labor and national security concerns.
The new tariffs were also announced just days after the United States imposed additional tariffs on China and 59 other countries.
More read, US threatens Iran with unprecedented economic pressure
Earlier, The United States is preparing a new round of economic measures against Iran, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, as Washington seeks to tighten pressure on Tehran while the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz continues.
Bessent told Newsmax that the planned action would combine sweeping financial pressure with the continued blockade of Iranian ports. He said Washington would announce additional measures next week but did not specify what they would entail.
“It will be a combination of economic isolation, like the world has never seen before,” Bessent said, adding that the blockade would prevent goods from entering or leaving Iranian ports.
