US President Donald Trump signed a presidential “proclamation” imposing customs duties of up to 100% on imported drones and their components, an industry dominated by China. The US President justified the decision to protect the national security of the United States, according to a statement issued by the White House, as 100% duties were imposed on the import of certain drone systems, including those whose total take-off weight exceeds 25 kilograms and have capabilities such as thermal imaging devices. Smaller drones are subject to a 25% customs duty. The statement said that the customs duties “will encourage increased local production” of drones and their components, and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains.