A few days ago we reported that the US government had begun to ban foreign-made drones that feature LiDAR tracking systems due to national security concerns. Recently, the government also announced that it would impose tariffs and levies on other foreign drones as well.
For drones weighing 25kg and above, and units that come with their own charging “nest” and thermal imaging capabilities, sales of such drones will be subject to a tariff of 100 percent of the drone’s price.
For drones weighing less than 25kg, they will be subject to a 25 percent tariff. If the drones are developed in the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan, an additional 15 percent levy will be imposed on these drones, while drones manufactured in the UK will be subject to a 10 percent levy.
According to a statement issued by the White House, the introduction of this latest tariff was introduced because the US government wants the country's manufacturing industry to start producing their own drone equipment.
The drone industry in the United States is seen as very large because its use is seen across various industries, including agriculture, industry, security, military and so on. At least these drones are not banned from sale, but if companies that rely on this equipment need spare parts or new drones, they have to be purchased at a much higher price.
