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Commerce Department Invites Public Input on Drone and Polysilicon Security Probes

Starting July 16, stakeholders have 21 days to comment before a Section 232 review could trigger new tariffs

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This file photo, released by EPA, shows an unmanned aerial system manufactured by Airbus on display during the 55th edition of the International Paris Air Show at the Paris-Le Bourget Airport in Le Bourget near Paris on June 16, 2025. (Yonhap)
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Overview

  • The Bureau of Industry and Security launched the investigations July 1 to assess whether imports of unmanned aircraft systems and polysilicon threaten U.S. national security under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.
  • Federal Register notices will appear July 16, opening a 21-day window for manufacturers, industry groups and other parties to file comments.
  • Polysilicon is a critical material for solar panels and semiconductor production while the UAS probe covers drones, parts and components.
  • By law, the Commerce Secretary must report findings and tariff recommendations within 270 days and the President then has 90 days to decide whether to impose duties.
  • These probes build on earlier security-driven trade actions that targeted steel, aluminum, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.