United States imposes Section 232 tariffs on unmanned aircraft systems (drones) and components
Measures include tariffs of up to 100% on certain drones and components, country-specific reduced rates, and an onshoring incentive program.
President Trump on August 13, 2026, issued a proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 imposing tariffs on imports of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, and certain UAS components.
According to the proclamation and accompanying White House fact sheet, the Commerce Department found that U.S. reliance on foreign-produced drones and critical components creates supply chain, cybersecurity, and national security vulnerabilities.
Effective September 3, 2026, the proclamation imposes:
- A 100% ad valorem tariff on specified UAS and components, including drones with a maximum takeoff weight greater than 25 kilograms, drones with thermal imaging capabilities, UAS docking stations, and certain critical components identified in Annex I.
- A 25% ad valorem tariff on specified drones with a maximum takeoff weight of 25 kilograms or less identified in Annex II.
Effective February 9, 2027, a 25% ad valorem tariff will apply to certain additional UAS components identified in Annex III.
The proclamation provides reduced rates for qualifying products from certain trading partners, provided substantially all critical components, hardware, software, technology, and related content originate in those jurisdictions or the United States and other specified requirements are satisfied.
- For products of the European Union (EU), Japan, Liechtenstein, Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan, the applicable duty rate generally may not exceed 15%.
- Qualifying products from the United Kingdom (UK) generally may not exceed 10%.
The proclamation also authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to:
- Establish an onshoring program under which companies committing to build, expand, or refurbish U.S. facilities producing covered drones and components may receive temporary relief from the Section 232 duties on certain imports needed for their supply chains or production while construction is underway
- Expand the scope of covered components on a rolling basis if imports are determined to undermine the objectives of the action or contribute to the national security concerns identified in the proclamation