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ARTICLE · 27 AUGUST 2026

Trump Administration Imposes Section 232 Tariffs On Drones And Their Parts

Wiley Rein
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President Trump's August 13 Proclamation imposes tiered tariffs on imported drones and components, ranging from 10% to 100% depending on size, capabilities, and country of origin, while establishing an onshoring program to incentivize domestic manufacturing. The measures, stemming from a Section 232 national security investigation, create both compliance challenges and strategic opportunities for companies dependent on foreign-sourced uncrewed aircraft systems. With staggered effective dates and evolving re

GlobalInternational Law
Hon. Nazak Nikakhtar
Hon. Nazak Nikakhtar
Nova J. Daly
Nova J. Daly

Background

President Trump signed a Proclamation on August 13 to address the national security threat posed by imports of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS or drones) and their parts and components. The Proclamation cited the findings of an investigation the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated in July 2025, pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The Proclamation introduces several measures intended to strengthen the domestic UAS industry and its supply chain, including:

  • The imposition of a 100% ad valorem tariff on drones that either reach a certain size (i.e., a maximum takeoff weight of more than 25 kilograms) or possess thermal imaging capabilities. The same duty will likewise apply to these drones’ docking stations as well as certain critical components (see Annex I). These tariffs will take effect on September 3, 2026.
    • Certain parts for heavy lift drones intended for agricultural and U.S. Department of War (DOW) purposes will be excluded from the

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