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The Trump administration has imposed tariffs of up to 100% on drones in an effort to reduce the country’s dependence on Chinese drone technology and encourage domestic manufacturing, The New York Times reports.
Drones weighing more than 55 pounds or equipped with thermal imaging face a 100% tariff, while smaller drones face a 25% tariff. Drones manufactured by U.S. allies, including Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan and Britain, will also face tariffs ranging from 10% to 15%.
The administration argues that reliance on China, particularly companies such as DJI, which produces more than 70% of the world’s commercial drones, presents a national security risk. However, critics argue that U.S. manufacturers are not capable of meeting current demand and that the tariffs will hurt public safety agencies and businesses.
Law enforcement agencies rely on thermal drones to locate missing people, monitor fires and track suspects, and officials warn that higher prices could make these tools inaccessible. At the same time, the Federal Communications Commission is considering a policy that could classify drones using technologies such as thermal imaging as “military grade,” potentially restricting many foreign-made drones already in use.
Thousands of businesses have warned that this could cause significant financial losses and disrupt industries such as construction and surveying. Critics also question potential conflicts of interest because President Trump’s sons have connections to U.S. drone companies that could benefit from reduced foreign competition.
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