Trump Signs Proclamation Imposing Up to 100% Tariffs on Drones to Curb China; What About South Korea?

US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing tariffs of up to 100% on drones and drone components.

However, a 15% tariff will be applied to South Korea.

President Trump stated in the proclamation that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick submitted an investigation report under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act regarding the impact of imported unmanned aerial systems and related components on national security.

The findings indicated a substantial market penetration rate of foreign-produced drones in the US market and an excessive US reliance on foreign supply sources. Explaining the background for the tariff decision, President Trump stated, "I agree with the Secretary's determination that unmanned aerial systems and their components are being imported in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States."

He subsequently ordered a 100% tariff on drones, docking stations, and specific core components with certain sizes or functions that are sensitive from a national security perspective.

The 100% tariff subjects include drones with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 25 kg and those equipped with thermal imaging capabilities.

Meanwhile, President Trump applied a 25% tariff to drones that are smaller than the 100% tariff subjects and do not feature functions affecting national security.

The 100% tariffs will take effect in 21 days, while the 25% tariffs will begin in 180 days.

Drones and components imported from South Korea, the European Union, and Japan will face a 15% tariff, whereas products imported from the United Kingdom will be subject to a 10% tariff.

This drone tariff measure is analyzed to target China. Previously, the South Korean government pointed out in a submission sent to the US Department of Commerce in August of last year that "a small number of companies located in a single country" dominate the unmanned aerial systems market.

Although the specific country was not named at the time, it was interpreted as an expression of concern regarding China, which holds a dominant position in the unmanned aerial systems market.

(Reported by Kim Taewon | Video by Lee Eui-sun | Design by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.