The United States has initiated a national security inquiry into imported drones and polysilicon, a component in solar panels and semiconductors.
According to Reuters, the inquiry started on July 1, with news of it finally breaking today. This action comes as Washington has raised concerns over being too reliant on Chinese technology and its own national security could be impacted.
Why is this significant
China is a recognised dominant force in the drone sector in the U.S., mostly through brands such as DJI, which has more than a 50% share of all commercial drones in the United States. The government fears the foreign-made drones that could undermine government and business cybersecurity and potentially be weaponised. The second product involved is polysilicon, which is critical for both solar panels and microchips. China is also the largest global producer of polysilicon.
Possibility of increased tariffs
This inquiry operates under a law called Section 232, which allows the U.S. government to impose high import tariffs on products that would pose a threat to U.S. national security. Therefore, if the results of the inquiry determined a risk, we could be seeing American companies with increased costs related to Chinese drones and solar products.
US opens national security probes into imported drones, polysilicon: https://t.co/BGZnX17j08 via @davidshepardson
— Michael Robbins (@MRobbinsAUVSI) July 15, 2025
Actions taken in the past against Chinese imports, Pricing comparison for drone systems
Reuters pointed out that the undecided Biden administration had already started trying to limit Chinese drone companies like DJI and Autel earlier than this. In December 2024, a law was signed that could, in the future, prohibit those companies from ever selling any new models in the U.S.
Earlier in January, the Commerce Department also discussed banning Chinese drones, citing security concerns yet again. Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order in June affirming a resurgence of domestic drone manufacturing.
Industry reaction
The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) said they are supportive of the investigation. CEO Michael Robbins told Reuters that foreign drones are significantly cheaper in price to U.S. companies because the Chinese government subsidises them.
