President imposes 100% duty on heavy unmanned aircraft systems
Importers of UAS over 25 kg and related components face a 100% duty, with a 25% duty on lighter systems and certain parts taking effect 180 days after Aug. 13, 2026.
Proclamation 11055, issued by the President on August 13, 2026, invokes section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act to adjust imports of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their components. The proclamation imposes a 100 percent ad valorem duty on UAS with a maximum take-off weight greater than 25 kilograms, UAS that integrate thermal imagers, UAS docking stations, and certain components listed in Annex I.
A 25 percent ad valorem duty is applied to imports of UAS weighing 25 kilograms or less, as identified in Annex II, and to certain UAS components listed in Annex III. The duty on the components in Annex III will become effective 180 days after the date of the proclamation, providing a window for increased domestic production.
The action follows a report from the Secretary of Commerce, who concluded that substantial import penetration and reliance on foreign sources create strategic vulnerabilities, including cybersecurity risks and potential supply disruptions during geopolitical events or natural disasters. The Secretary also noted that domestic capacity is insufficient to meet current and future national security demands.
In addition to the duties, the proclamation authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish an onshoring program that offers preferential tariff treatment to companies that commit to building new U.S. manufacturing facilities for UAS and related components. This program is intended to expand domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
The duties will be enforced through existing customs procedures, and importers of the affected UAS and components must comply with the new tariff rates as stipulated in the proclamation.