The Trump administration is preparing to intensify its crackdown on Chinese-made drones, with plans to issue new rules as soon as this month targeting imports over national security concerns. This move represents the latest step in a multi-pronged U.S. strategy to curb reliance on Chinese technology, combining regulatory action with significant financial pressure.
The forthcoming rules, announced in a Commerce Department notice, will address security risks associated with the information and communications technology embedded in drones from China and other designated foreign adversaries. While details are pending, this regulatory action follows the recent implementation of a steep 170% cumulative tariff on Chinese drones, which has already dramatically increased their cost for U.S. consumers and businesses.
The Commerce Department stated that the new rules are part of a broader effort, which also includes medium and heavy-duty vehicles, to protect national security. This initiative builds on a "Section 232" national security investigation into drone imports that was launched in July. These investigations could provide the legal basis for even greater restrictions or higher tariffs.
The financial pressure campaign has already had a substantial impact. According to a recent analysis by airspace security firm Airsight, the 170% tariff was built through several layers of import duties imposed since 2018, culminating in a 125% "reciprocal tariff" in April 2025. This has caused the potential retail price of popular models from market-leader DJI, such as the Mavic 3 Pro, to more than double from approximately $2,199 to over $4,750.
The push to limit Chinese drones has shown bipartisan momentum. In December 2024, then-President Joe Biden signed legislation that could eventually ban leading Chinese brands like DJI and Autel from selling new models in the United States. This was followed by a Commerce Department announcement in January, under the Biden administration, that it was considering rules to restrict or ban Chinese drones over similar security concerns.
The consistent pressure from Washington comes as Chinese manufacturers, particularly DJI, account for the vast majority of commercial drone sales in the U.S. While the administration’s stated goal is to bolster the domestic drone industry—a move supported by a June executive order from President Trump—the immediate effects are being felt by consumers.
The market response to the tariffs has included a potential increase in used drone sales and a possible market share boost for domestic brands like Skydio. However, with new security-based rules on the horizon, the U.S. drone industry and its customers face a period of significant uncertainty, characterized by higher costs and a rapidly shifting regulatory landscape.