Trump Imposes New Drone Tariffs, Japan and South Korea 15 Percent

JAKARTA - US President Donald Trump has set new tariffs on imports of drones and their components. Japan, South Korea, the European Union, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Taiwan will be subject to a 15 percent tariff.

Kyodo News quoted Friday, August 14, saying the policy was announced after Trump signed a proclamation on Thursday. The White House said the new tariffs were imposed on national security grounds.

The highest tariff reaches 100 percent for certain types of drones, including large-sized drones and those with thermal imaging capabilities or technology to detect heat.

Smaller drones that are considered a security concern will be subject to a 25 percent tariff.

Meanwhile, imports of drones from the UK will be subject to a 10 percent tariff.

The new tariff is scheduled to take effect on September 3, 2026 at 00.01. For drone components that are considered less sensitive, the new tariff will take effect from February 9, 2027 at 00.01.

Trump used Article 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 as the legal basis for the policy.

The rule gives the US president the authority to adjust imports if it is considered to threaten or weaken national security.