Trump’s 100% tariff on drones will be disaster for the US, critics warn

The Trump administration has imposed a 100 percent tariff on foreign-made drones equipped with thermal imaging or weighing over 55 pounds. Critics argue this policy will harm public safety and US businesses that rely on Chinese-manufactured drones for essential operations.
Why it matters
The tariffs could significantly disrupt law enforcement, search and rescue, and wildfire monitoring efforts that depend on affordable drone technology.
“More harm than good” Trump’s 100% tariff on drones will be disaster for the US, critics warn Americans fear there are no cheap alternatives as tariffs suddenly hit drones.
85 A DJI Mavic Pro 3 camera drone. A DJI Mavic Pro 3 camera drone. Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav On Thursday, the Trump administration imposed a 100 percent tariff on foreign-made drones, alarming critics who warn that high tariffs would harm public safety and devastate thousands of US businesses.
Guidance posted by US Customs and Border Protection says that starting Thursday, a 100 percent tariff will apply to imported drones that use thermal imaging or weigh more than 55 pounds.
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