Trump hits imported drones with tariffs up to 100%

Buying an imported drone in the US could soon become much more expensive. The Trump administration has announced sweeping new tariffs on imported drones and drone components, with duties reaching as high as 100% for certain products. While the move is aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing US dependence on foreign suppliers, it could also have ripple effects for businesses, public safety agencies, and even recreational drone pilots.

The announcement is the latest step in the administration’s broader effort to reshape supply chains for technologies it considers critical to national security. And because China dominates the global drone industry, it’s no surprise that companies like DJI are expected to feel the biggest impact.

Here’s what the new tariffs look like

The new policy creates multiple tariff tiers depending on the type of drone and where it’s made.

The steepest penalty is a 100% tariff on imported drones weighing more than 25 kilograms (55 pounds), along with drones equipped with capabilities considered sensitive for national security, such as thermal imaging systems. Certain key drone components and docking stations also fall into this category.

Smaller drones — those weighing 25 kilograms or less — aren’t escaping entirely. They’ll generally face a 25% tariff, although the implementation timeline differs depending on the product. Most drone tariffs take effect in about two weeks from now, while some lower-risk components won’t see the additional duty until 180 days after the proclamation.

The administration is also giving preferential treatment to several allied countries. Drones and components originating from the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein can qualify for a 15% tariff, while products from the United Kingdom face a 10% tariff, provided the hardware and underlying technology genuinely originate from those countries or the US.

That last requirement appears designed to prevent manufacturers from routing Chinese-made components through third countries to avoid higher tariffs.

New: Court gives DJI new hope in Pentagon blacklist battle

Why the White House says it’s doing this

The administration based the new tariffs on a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the same legal authority previously used for tariffs on products such as steel, aluminum, automobiles, and copper.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says that the US has become overly dependent on foreign-made unmanned aircraft systems and their components. According to the White House, foreign manufacturers have achieved substantial market penetration, creating what officials describe as a national security vulnerability.

The administration also pointed to lessons from the war in Ukraine, where drones have become indispensable tools for reconnaissance, logistics, and combat operations. In the proclamation, drones are described as essential to both America’s national security and economic strength.

And though the tariffs technically apply to imports from around the world, they are widely viewed as being directed at China. That’s because Chinese manufacturers dominate the global drone market. DJI alone is estimated to account for roughly 70% of the US commercial drone market, making it by far the industry’s biggest player.

Analysts say the new rules also attempt to close what some policymakers viewed as a loophole. Even as restrictions on certain foreign-made drones increased over the past year, many US companies could still import Chinese motors, frames, electronics, and other components before assembling finished products domestically. The new tariff structure makes that approach significantly less attractive.

There is one notable exception: manufacturers can avoid many of these tariffs by producing drones or components within the United States.

What it could mean for drone buyers

If you’re shopping for a consumer drone, there’s one important detail to keep in mind. Most popular camera drones, including the DJI Mini 5 Pro, Air 3S, Flip, and Mavic 4 Pro, weigh well under the 25-kilogram threshold. That means they would generally fall into the 25% tariff category rather than the headline-grabbing 100% rate.

Still, that doesn’t necessarily mean retail prices will increase by exactly 25%. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers may absorb some costs, shift production, adjust sourcing, or pass additional expenses on to consumers. The final impact on store shelves will likely vary by brand and product.

Commercial operators, enterprise customers, and public safety agencies purchasing larger aircraft or specialized equipment could face even bigger pricing changes if their systems fall under the 100% tariff category.

More: Uber Eats adds Zipline drones for ultra-fast deliveries