US scoping out drone and solar panel supply chains ahead of potential tariffs
The Trump administration may be planning to impose tariffs on drones and their components, as well as solar panels.
Bloomberg reports that the US Department of Commerce has initiated investigations into two categories of imports: “imports of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their parts and components” and “imports of polysilicon and its derivatives.”
The “Section 232” investigations are required in order for the Trump administration to impose tariffs on the goods in the name of national security.
The vital role of drones in a rapidly changing national security landscape has grabbed the attention of the White House.
In June, President Trump signed an executive order titled “Unleashing American Drone Dominance,” which seeks to identify “supply chain risks” and to “secure the United States drone supply chain against foreign control or exploitation.”
While the recently passed new tax bill has put the nail in the coffin for many renewable energy credits, the investigation into solar panel imports is an acknowledgement that America’s capacity to manufacture cheap, efficient solar power is relevant to national security.
The notice of the investigation in the Federal Register says the department is particularly interested in hearing about “the ability of foreign nations to weaponize their control over supplies of polysilicon and its derivatives.”
The “Section 232” investigations are required in order for the Trump administration to impose tariffs on the goods in the name of national security.
The vital role of drones in a rapidly changing national security landscape has grabbed the attention of the White House.
In June, President Trump signed an executive order titled “Unleashing American Drone Dominance,” which seeks to identify “supply chain risks” and to “secure the United States drone supply chain against foreign control or exploitation.”
While the recently passed new tax bill has put the nail in the coffin for many renewable energy credits, the investigation into solar panel imports is an acknowledgement that America’s capacity to manufacture cheap, efficient solar power is relevant to national security.
The notice of the investigation in the Federal Register says the department is particularly interested in hearing about “the ability of foreign nations to weaponize their control over supplies of polysilicon and its derivatives.”
