Photo courtesy of PNP
China urged the United States to withdraw new tariffs of up to 100 percent on imported drones and related components, warning that the policy could disrupt international supply chains and hurt Chinese manufacturers.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry criticized Washington’s decision to impose additional duties based on national security concerns, arguing that the restrictions unfairly targeted products from China.
Ministry spokesperson He Yadong said Chinese drones sold in the US were predominantly designed for civilian applications, including agriculture, infrastructure inspections and media production.
Beijing also objected to Washington’s use of different tariff rates depending on a product’s country of origin. It maintained that the approach placed Chinese manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage.
China separately rejected US allegations that a network of transshipment operations had been used to circumvent trade restrictions. The Commerce Ministry disputed a US report that characterized some international trade and investment activities as part of such a scheme.
Instead, Beijing argued that Washington’s high tariffs posed a greater risk to the stability of global trade and supply chains. It called on the US to stop making accusations that could further strain bilateral economic relations.
The dispute followed US President Donald Trump’s decision last week to impose new tariffs on foreign-made drones and components as Washington sought to reduce dependence on overseas suppliers and expand domestic production.
Under the US policy, tariffs can reach 100 percent for drones considered particularly sensitive to national security, including certain models weighing more than 25 kilograms or equipped with thermal imaging technology, as well as specified components and docking stations.