【By Observer Net, Qi Qian】On the evening of July 14th local time, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued a notice stating that it had initiated a so-called "national security investigation" targeting drones and polycrystalline silicon used in chips and solar panels. Bloomberg and the UK's Financial Times reported that this move is the latest trade measure by the Trump administration, laying the groundwork for tariffs on drones and polycrystalline silicon.

The notice stated that the U.S. Department of Commerce will review the import of drones and their components, and will conduct a separate review of the polycrystalline silicon supply chain.

The notice also claimed that U.S. officials will study subsidies from other countries, "predatory trade practices," and the potential impact of other countries using export controls to "weaponize" the polycrystalline silicon and drone component supply chains.

The report said that on July 1st, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, President Trump of the United States launched the relevant investigation, which was his most recent use of this power to review and impose tariffs on industries deemed "essential to national security." According to the law, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce should announce the investigation results within 270 days. If the investigation determines there is a "national security threat," Trump could impose tariffs on these products.

According to the introduction, Trump has previously used the same clause to impose a 50% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, as well as a 25% tariff on imported cars and car parts, and will start imposing a 50% tariff on copper imports from August 1st.

In addition, the Trump administration is also investigating trade in pharmaceuticals, timber, aerospace components, chips, and consumer electronics products.

The Financial Times reported that these broad industry tariff measures have exacerbated tensions between the U.S. and its trading partners. Many countries, including the EU, Japan, and Canada, have been negotiating with U.S. officials for months over so-called "reciprocal tariffs" but have not obtained tariff exemptions. For U.S. allies, these investigations will further increase the uncertainty of U.S. tariff policies.

A U.S. soldier using a DJI drone, U.S. military photo

The report pointed out that China dominates the global market in polycrystalline silicon, solar technology, and commercial drones. Data shows that China produces 70% to 80% of the world's commercial drones and leads in the production of key components.

Last December, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released a statement saying that after a four-year review by the Biden administration, the U.S. will increase tariffs on imports of solar silicon wafers, polycrystalline silicon, and certain tungsten products from China starting next year. The tariff on solar polycrystalline silicon and silicon wafers will be increased to 50%, while the tariff on certain tungsten products will be raised to 25%.

In January of this year, the Biden administration considered formulating restrictions or prohibitions on Chinese drones entering the U.S. on the grounds of "national security." At that time, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, stated that China has always firmly opposed the U.S. generalization of the concept of national security, interfering with and restricting normal trade and economic exchanges, and undermining the safety and stability of the global supply chain. We will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard our legitimate rights and interests.

Last month, Trump signed an executive order aimed at promoting the U.S. drone industry. The executive order also instructed the Department of Commerce to conduct an investigation, "ensuring that the U.S. drone supply chain is not controlled or exploited by foreign entities."

In fact, as early as 2017, the U.S. Department of Defense listed the Chinese drone manufacturer DJI on a sanctions list, falsely claiming that it "may provide data on U.S. critical infrastructure and law enforcement to the Chinese government." In 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2025 Defense Authorization Act, which included the so-called "Counter-China Drone Act," further restricting Chinese drones.

Facing frequent U.S. government crackdowns, Chinese companies remain the leaders in the global drone industry. Data from the U.S. think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies shows that DJI drones hold a 90% share in the U.S. commercial market. It is expected that with the increasing demand for drones in agriculture, construction, maritime, and industrial sectors, this proportion is unlikely to change in the short term.

Wang Yimao, Director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University, once said that the U.S. is always "imagining" that Chinese-made drones may threaten U.S. security, but the U.S. "cannot reach China's production level in a short period of time." If Chinese drones are banned, U.S. companies may need to rely on smuggling or other means to obtain drones and their components, ultimately the cost will be borne by U.S. consumers.

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Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7527322318628979239/

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