Help US President Donald Trump announces new tariffs on imported drones
US President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on imported drones in an effort to curb reliance on foreign supply chains.
A tariff structure imposing 100% on high-capability drones and 25% on smaller drones will be implemented by the US government.
The White House aims to expand domestic drone manufacturing and reduce critical dependency on foreign suppliers.
Domestic drone stocks rallied following the announcement, with Unusual Machines surging 25% to record highs.
Date: 14 August 2026
Trump announces fresh tariffs on foreign drone imports as related stocks rise
According to a Reuters report, US President Donald Trump has announced tariffs on imports of drones and their components, arguing that the country has become highly dependent on foreign suppliers for these products. The report indicates that the White House is considering a 100% tariff on high-capability drones alongside a 25% tariff on smaller models. Notably, the tariff framework incorporates concessions for US allies, who will be subject to lower duty rates.
Furthermore, a report by CNBC emphasises that the administration's decision is designed to expand domestic drone production to safeguard national security, as noted by the White House. In addition, the measure is intended to create employment and strengthen the broader defence industry.
It is worth noting that President Trump’s decision reflects ongoing plans by the US administration to expand its defence capabilities, incorporating low-cost weapons—such as drones—into these government objectives.
Following the policy announcement, shares in drone-related firms rose in tandem. Most notably, Unusual Machines’ shares jumped by 25% to $34.06, reaching a new record high, while Red Cat Holdings advanced by 8.8% to $11.13.
Figure 1. Unusual Machines' Shares (Year-to-Date). Source: Data from the NYSE Exchange; figure obtained via TradingView.
