Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has enacted a proclamation to introduce new tariffs on drones and their components, including a 15 percent levy on imports from South Korea, Japan, and other key economies, as announced by the White House. The administration describes this move as a strategic effort to enhance national security.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the proclamation includes a 100 percent tariff on certain drones, particularly larger models and those equipped with thermal imaging capabilities, which are considered sensitive to national security. Additionally, a 25 percent tariff will be imposed on smaller drones that present security concerns.
Imports from South Korea, Japan, the European Union, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Taiwan will face a 15 percent tariff, while imports from Britain will be subject to a 10 percent duty. The new tariffs are scheduled to commence at 12:01 a.m. on September 3rd this year, except for tariffs on less-sensitive drone components, which will be implemented at 12:01 a.m. on February 9th of the following year.
President Trump has invoked Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to implement these tariffs, a statute that authorizes the president to regulate imports into the United States if they are deemed to threaten national security.