The U.S. Department of Commerce has initiated two new national security investigations into imports of drones and polysilicon, a key material used in semiconductors and solar panels. The inquiries could pave the way for fresh tariffs on vital technology sectors, further intensifying ongoing global trade tensions.
According to notices published Monday evening, the Commerce Department will examine imports of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their components, as well as conduct a separate study on the supply chains for polysilicon — a raw material crucial to both the semiconductor and renewable energy industries.
Officials will assess whether foreign subsidies, unfair trade practices, or export controls pose a threat to U.S. national security, especially in light of foreign governments’ potential ability to “weaponize their control over supplies.”
Part of a Wider Trade Strategy
The investigations fall under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, the same legal authority that former President Donald Trump has used to impose sweeping tariffs across multiple industries. These include:
- 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum
- 25% tariffs on imported cars and auto parts
- A new 50% tariff on copper, set to begin August 1
In addition to drones and polysilicon, the Trump administration is currently investigating other sectors, including:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Lumber
- Aerospace components
- Consumer electronics
- Microchips
These investigations could eventually lead to tariffs across a broad range of imports, escalating the administration’s push for reciprocal trade measures against countries it views as engaging in unfair practices.
Implications for Allies and Trading Partners
The broad use of sector-specific tariffs has heightened trade friction with key U.S. allies, including the European Union, Japan, and Canada. Despite months of negotiations, these countries have so far been unsuccessful in securing exemptions from Trump’s aggressive tariff regime.
With these new probes, uncertainty grows for U.S. trading partners, many of whom are already navigating strained supply chains and market instability due to earlier tariffs.
Focus on China’s Market Dominance
The investigations particularly underscore U.S. concerns over China’s dominance in key technologies. According to Drone Industry Insights, China is responsible for 70–80% of the world’s commercial drone production and is a leading global producer of polysilicon and other solar-related components.
While the Biden administration had already imposed 50% tariffs on Chinese solar wafers and polysilicon — which took effect earlier this year — the Trump administration’s new investigation may result in even broader trade restrictions targeting China and other exporters.
Conclusion
As the U.S. continues to reshape its trade policy around national security concerns, these investigations mark the latest chapter in a deepening global trade recalibration. Businesses across the drone, solar, and semiconductor sectors — as well as America’s allies — now face mounting uncertainty over which products might next be caught in Washington’s expanding tariff web.
