US imposes 100% tariffs on certain drones and components

US President Donald Trump has ordered 100% tariffs on imports of certain unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and their components, according to the White House.

Under the proclamation, a 100% ad valorem duty will apply to UAVs with a maximum take-off weight of more than 25 kilograms, drones equipped with thermal imagers, docking stations and certain UAV components listed in the proclamation, Caliber.Az reports. 

"I determine that it is necessary and appropriate to impose ad valorem duties on certain UAS and UAS components," the president said in the proclamation. 

Imports of UAVs weighing 25 kilograms or less will face a 25% tariff.

The move comes as legal challenges mount against the Trump administration’s broader tariff policy. Democrats from 25 US states have filed a lawsuit challenging tariffs imposed by Trump, arguing that the measures are unlawful.

The plaintiffs said the tariffs are “no less unlawful” than duties previously struck down by the US Supreme Court. They also argued that the tariffs imposed by the US Trade Representative are so broad that they conflict with the agency’s own objectives and undermine the purpose of the law used to impose them.

By Sabina Mammadli