On August 13, 2026, President Trump issued a proclamation imposing new tariffs on certain imports of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, and drone components under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The action follows a Department of Commerce investigation that found imports of drones and related components are entering the United States in quantities and under circumstances that threaten to impair the national security of the United States.

According to the proclamation, the Administration identified US dependence on foreign sources of drones and critical components as a national security concern and concluded that increased domestic manufacturing capacity is needed. The accompanying fact sheet states that the action is intended to strengthen US drone supply chains and encourage domestic production.

Key tariff measures

The proclamation establishes two principal tariff categories: (1) 100% ad valorem tariffs on drones with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 25 kilograms, drones equipped with thermal imaging capabilities, drone docking stations, and certain designated critical drone components; and (2) 25% ad valorem tariffs on drones weighing 25 kilograms or less; and certain additional drone components identified in the annexes to the proclamation.

The proclamation also authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to apply the tariffs to additional drone components in the future if imports are found to undermine the objectives of the action.

Effective dates

The tariffs on most covered drones and components will apply to goods entered for consumption on or after September 3, 2026.

For certain drone components identified in Annex III, the 25% tariff will take effect on February 9, 2027, approximately 180 days after issuance of the proclamation. The proclamation states that the delayed implementation is intended to provide time for additional domestic production capacity to develop.

Reduced rates for certain trading partners

The proclamation provides reduced tariff treatment for qualifying products from certain US trading partners if importers certify that substantially all critical components and technology originate from the United States or specified partner countries. Specifically, products from the European Union, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein may qualify for a duty rate capped at 15%. Products from the United Kingdom may qualify for a duty rate capped at 10%.

The Commerce Department is directed to establish procedures governing these certifications and inform U.S. Customs and Border Protection when they have been met.

Onshoring incentive program

The proclamation also directs the Commerce Department to establish a program encouraging investment in US drone and drone-component manufacturing. Companies that commit to constructing, expanding, or refurbishing US production facilities may be eligible for temporary relief from the new Section 232 duties while qualifying projects are under development.