US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs of up to 100 per cent on imports of unmanned drones and their components, saying the move is aimed at reducing the United States’ reliance on foreign suppliers in an industry largely dominated by China.

According to a White House statement, the decision was taken on national security grounds. The new measures include a 100 per cent tariff on certain unmanned aircraft systems, particularly larger drones weighing more than 25 kilograms and systems equipped with capabilities considered sensitive for national security.