US President Donald Trump has signed a document providing for the application of customs duties of up to 100% on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and their components imported into the country from abroad.
Modern.az reports that the decision was justified by the national security of the United States and the reduction of the country's dependence on foreign drone manufacturers.
According to the new rules, a 100% duty will be applied to drones of certain sizes and capabilities that are of particular importance for national security. For smaller UAVs, the duty is set at 25%.
In addition, a 15% duty will be applied to drones and components imported from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan, and a 10% duty on drones imported from the United Kingdom.
The US administration believes that the country's dependence on foreign suppliers for drones and their key components poses a risk to national security and cybersecurity. One of the goals of the new tariffs is to expand domestic drone production in the US.
It is reported that the main part of the decision will come into force after 21 days, and tariffs on some components considered less sensitive will come into force after 180 days.
