The Trump administration is preparing to issue new rules that could restrict or ban imports of Chinese-made drones and medium to heavy-duty vehicles, citing significant national security concerns. This move expands upon earlier actions targeting Chinese cars and trucks and is aimed at technology integral to these products’ communications and supply chains. The U.S. Commerce Department stated the rules for vehicles over 10,000 pounds could be announced as soon as this month but did not provide specific details on the impending restrictions.
This policy directly impacts a market heavily reliant on Chinese imports, particularly for drones, where Chinese products account for the vast majority of U.S. commercial sales. More than half of these imports come from the world’s largest manufacturer, DJI. The planned actions follow a series of escalating measures, including a January rule from the Biden administration that will effectively bar most Chinese cars and trucks from the U.S. market starting in 2026.
The Commerce Department’s investigations, launched earlier this year, focus on the potential risks posed by the software, hardware, and data systems within these products. For drones, this includes onboard computers, flight control systems, and data storage, which officials fear could be exploited for espionage or cyberattacks. These probes could ultimately lead to heightened tariffs or outright bans on imports from “foreign adversaries,” primarily China.
This bipartisan effort to decouple critical supply chains from China has seen actions from both administrations. President Trump signed executive orders to boost U.S. drone manufacturing and counter threats, while President Biden signed legislation that could eventually ban the sale of new DJI drone models in the United States, signaling a consistent and hardening U.S. stance on Chinese technology in sensitive sectors.
