Trump's drone tariffs hit 100%, Europe capped at 15%

A U.S. proclamation signed by Donald Trump on 13 August sets new Section 232 tariffs for unmanned aircraft systems (drones) starting 3 September, with rates that split products by weight and sensitivity. Drones over 25kg, thermal imaging models, docking stations and listed critical components face 100% tariffs. Everything else is taxed at 25%, including drones of 25kg or less. The EU is capped at 15% and the UK at 10% only if suppliers can certify that critical components and technology originate from approved countries. A further set of components moves to 25% from 9 February 2027 after a 180-day delay, with Commerce able to add components later.