Beijing urges US to scrap 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese drones
Ministry of Commerce spokesman warns of supply chain disruption and unfair targeting of civilian-use technology
Quick Look
- Beijing has formally requested that Washington withdraw planned 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese drones.
- The Ministry of Commerce argues the measures unfairly target civilian products and threaten global supply chains, citing concerns over the use of national security powers.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The US is utilizing Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act to impose tariffs on drones. These measures target specific weight classes and technology, such as thermal imaging.
Beijing has urged Washington to scrap planned tariffs of up to 100 per cent on imported drones, warning the measures unfairly target Chinese products and threaten global supply chains.
The tariffs are not set to take effect until September 3, but Chinese drone shipments to the United States are already under pressure, with exports of some models plunging in July, the latest customs data showed.
On Thursday, He Yadong, a spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce, said Beijing firmly opposed Washington’s decision to invoke national security powers – specifically Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act – to levy duties on drones and components, accusing it of applying uneven tariff rates on trading partners.
Warning that the measures would “seriously harm the interests of Chinese companies” and “disrupt cooperation in the global drone supply chain”, He told a regular press briefing that Washington should withdraw the tariffs immediately.
Chinese drones exported to the US were mainly used for civilian purposes, including agriculture, equipment inspections and the film and entertainment industries, He added.
US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on August 13 imposing a 100 per cent tariff on drones weighing more than 25kg (55.1lbs), as well as those equipped with thermal-imaging technology and models containing certain critical components.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Implementation of 100 per cent tariffs on September 3
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will China implement retaliatory measures?
- How will US drone importers adjust their supply chains?
