Republican Party Proposes Increased Tariffs And Ban On Drone Imports From China

US House of Representatives member Stefanik proposed increasing import rates for drones from China (photo: x @RepStefonic)

JAKARTA - A group of US House members from the Republican Party on Wednesday 15 May filed a law that would raise the US rate by 30% on Chinese-made drones and ban imports of drones containing important Chinese-made components by 2030.

The bill, led by US House of Representatives memberBadi Stefanik, will also create a new grant program for emergency response officers, critical infrastructure providers, as well as farmers and breeders to get assistance in buying US-made drones.

The proposal will increase fares on Chinese-made drones by 30% initially and then increase the rate by 5% each year. The bill is also backed by Chairman of the House of Representatives' Choice Committee, John Moolennar. Stefanik said that the bill would "enhanced the competitiveness of US drone manufacturers by forming revenue-neutral grant programs to help Americans buy safe drones made by the US and its allies."

In March, a group of bipartisan legislators asked President Joe Biden's administration to impose higher rates on Chinese-made drones, including those sent from other countries, and new incentives to support US drone manufacturers.

Legislators are urging immediate action against Chinese drone manufacturers, including DJI and Autel, and say that an additional 25% tariff on drones made in China is currently "not enough to cope with the spike" imports.

Chinese drone companies control more than 77% of the hobby drone market in the US and more than 90% of the commercial drone market, legislators said. DJIs in March declared against restrictions based on national origin and said they adhered to "all laws, regulations and norms of data privacy protection that apply in the US and wherever they operate."

In November, committees and other legislators asked the Biden administration to investigate and possibly impose sanctions on Autel Robotics, and legislators introduced legislation seeking to bar the US government from buying Chinese-made drones. Congress in 2019 banned the Pentagon from buying or using drones and components manufactured in China.

The aviation law, which Congress will approve on Wednesday, will also prohibit the Department of Transportation from buying or offering grants for Chinese-made drones but grants exemptions and exemptions in limited scenarios.