The Trump administration is preparing new trade restrictions that could sharply limit imports of Chinese-made drones and medium- to heavy-duty vehicles, citing national security risks.
The Commerce Department announced Friday that it intends to roll out rules as early as this month aimed at supply-chain vulnerabilities linked to drones and vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds from China and other designated adversaries. Specific measures haven’t yet been disclosed.
Chinese products dominate the U.S. drone market, with DJI alone supplying more than half of commercial sales. Any broad restrictions could therefore have major consequences for the industry.
The forthcoming steps build on earlier U.S. actions. In January, the Biden administration finalized regulations that will effectively bar most Chinese cars and light trucks starting in 2026, citing concerns over vehicle software and hardware. Commerce officials at the time also flagged potential limits on drone-related technologies such as onboard computers, flight control systems, operating software and data storage.
National security probes into drone imports and parts began in July, while investigations into medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and components started in April. Both reviews could eventually result in steeper tariffs.
President Trump has signed executive orders this year to strengthen protections against foreign-made drones and to encourage U.S. production. His predecessor, Joe Biden, signed legislation in December that could ultimately block DJI and fellow Chinese firm Autel from selling new models in the American market.
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