Trump Slaps Up to 100% Drone Tariffs, Giving UK 10% and EU 15% Rates

3 articles · Updated · Euronews · Aug 14

Imported drones weighing over 25 kilograms or carrying thermal imaging will face tariffs of up to 100%, while smaller models and some parts will be taxed at 25% under Trump's new Section 232 order.
The lower 15% band for the EU, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Taiwan — and 10% for the UK — applies only if a drone's hardware, software and technology substantially originate there or in the US.
That origin test could still hit European manufacturers because many rely on Chinese motors, batteries, cameras and flight controllers; products that fail it revert to the 25% or 100% brackets.
The tariffs take effect in 21 days for drones and 180 days for less sensitive components, while the Commerce Department must design incentives for companies that shift production to the US.
The move fits a broader defense-industrial push that also included a new naval shipyard order, as Washington argues battlefield technology and munitions supply chains need to be rebuilt at home.