Taipei: The government on Friday expressed optimism about expanding Taiwan's share of the U.S. unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market after Washington imposed new tariffs that include a 15 percent duty on drones and drone components imported from Taiwan.
According to Focus Taiwan, the Executive Yuan's Office of Trade Negotiations stated that Taiwanese companies are well positioned to benefit from shifting supply chains and increase their presence in the U.S. market. Taiwan is currently the sixth-largest supplier of drones to the United States, following Vietnam, China, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland.
The White House announced a new package of import tariffs aimed at reducing national security risks and reliance on foreign manufacturing. Under the policy, drones weighing more than 25 kilograms, drones equipped with thermal imaging systems, and critical drone components will face a 100 percent tariff, while smaller models will incur a 25 percent tariff.
However, imports from Taiwan, the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, and Switzerland will be subject to a lower 15 percent tariff. The United Kingdom will face a reduced 10 percent tariff, provided that substantially all hardware, software, and technology originate in those countries or the United States.
The new tariffs will take effect on September 3, except for products considered less sensitive, which will become subject to the duties after a 180-day period, as stated by the White House.