Trump signs proclamations imposing new drone tariffs, orders Navy to allow shipbuilding abroad
Trump Signs Proclamations Imposing New Drone Tariffs and Naval Changes
Tyunews.com – Trump signs proclamations imposing new drone tariffs and reshaping American naval construction on Thursday. President Donald Trump executed two significant executive proclamations that will fundamentally alter both maritime shipbuilding practices and aerial technology imports into the United States. The first directive targets the growing drone commerce sector with new financial barriers designed to protect national security interests. Meanwhile, the second proclamation mandates a technological shift aboard American aircraft carriers and opens limited foreign shipbuilding opportunities for U.S. warships that have traditionally been constructed exclusively in domestic yards.
According to an official White House fact sheet released alongside the announcements, the naval memorandum instructs Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to transition from advanced modern systems back to conventional mechanical methods. Specifically, the Advanced Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems and the Advanced Weapons Elevators currently installed on new carriers will be swapped out for traditional steam and hydraulic mechanisms. This strategic move aligns with Trump's longstanding preference for steam-powered catapults over their electric counterparts, which critics argue are overly complex and expensive to maintain.
Naval Modernization and Foreign Shipbuilding Opportunities
"Pete, we're not letting any more ships be built with the ridiculous -- billions of dollars more they spent on, uh, electric catapults and they're not good. They're not nearly as good, too complex," Trump stated during a Defense and Innovation Summit at the Army War College last month.
The proclamation also tasks Hegseth with creating a fifth Naval shipyard to address growing capacity constraints. Under the new guidelines, international shipbuilders who invest heavily in American facilities and train domestic workers may construct up to two vessels in their home ports. These ships will help fill immediate capacity gaps before being delivered, while additional construction occurs in revitalized U.S. yards. The White House explained the arrangement: "As foreign shipbuilders make substantial and durable investments into America's shipyards and train an all-American workforce for the jobs they create, they will be temporarily permitted to build up to two ships in their parent shipyards that will be delivered to bridge gaps on a quick turnaround, while additional ships will be built in revitalized American shipyards."
The second proclamation introduces "ad valorem" tariffs on drones and their components, citing national security concerns about foreign dependency. The primary tariff rate becomes active 21 days following the signing ceremony. Less sensitive drone parts face a longer implementation window of 180 days to allow industry adjustment. The tariff structure varies by sensitivity level. Particularly sensitive drones face a 100% levy, while smaller models with lower security implications are subject to a 25% rate. Additionally, a 15% tariff applies to drones and components originating from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan. Some British drones receive a reduced 10% tariff.
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington was pictured sailing through the South China Sea on August 11, 2026, representing the type of vessel affected by these new directives. Industry analysts suggest these combined measures could reshape global drone supply chains and American naval procurement strategies for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the new drone tariffs take effect? The primary tariff rate becomes active 21 days following the signing ceremony. Less sensitive drone parts face a longer implementation window of 180 days to allow manufacturers time to adjust their supply chains.
Which countries are affected by the 15% drone tariff? The 15% tariff applies to drones and components originating from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan. British drones receive a reduced 10% tariff rate.
How many foreign ships can be built under the new naval directive? International shipbuilders who invest heavily in American facilities and train domestic workers may construct up to two vessels in their home ports under the new guidelines.
What technology is being replaced on new aircraft carriers? The Advanced Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems and the Advanced Weapons Elevators will be swapped out for traditional steam and hydraulic mechanisms, reversing the previous modernization trend.