SUMMARY
The US is implementing new tariffs on drones, with lightweight models facing a 25% tax and larger military drones up to 100%. This adds to existing FCC restrictions that prevent newly manufactured foreign drones from entering the US market. These measures, intended to bolster US drone production and address national security concerns, are expected to raise prices for aerial photographers and videographers who rely on foreign-made equipment, as US companies currently lack comparable consumer-grade drone offerings.
TAKEAWAYS
US imposes new tariffs on drones, ranging from 10% to 100%.
Lightweight drones for photo/video face a 25% import tax.
Tariffs compound existing FCC restrictions on foreign drone sales in the US.
Measures aim to boost US drone manufacturing but limit consumer options.