US Opens National Security Probes into Imported Drones and Polysilicon

The US Commerce Department has opened national security investigations into the import of drones, related components, and polysilicon, a key component in solar panels and semiconductors. The investigations could lead to higher tariffs on imported items. The investigations were opened on July 1 but not publicly disclosed until Monday.

The US Commerce Department has initiated national security investigations into the import of drones, their components, and polysilicon, a key material for solar panels and semiconductors. The probes, launched on July 1 but not publicly disclosed until Monday, could potentially lead to higher tariffs on these imported goods [2].

The investigations were conducted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which grants the Commerce Secretary authority to review and impose tariffs on goods deemed critical to national security. The law mandates that the Commerce Secretary deliver the results of the investigation within 270 days. If the probe concludes that the importation of the goods under review poses a threat to national security, President Donald Trump can impose tariffs on those imports [1].

One investigation focuses on imports of "unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their parts and components," while a separate probe is directed at exports of polysilicon and derivative products to the US. These investigations are part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to review and impose sectoral-specific tariffs on industries deemed critical to national security. The probes come on the heels of previous investigations into imports of copper and pharmaceuticals and the placement of levies on steel and aluminum under Section 232 authority [1].

The White House has been ramping up its tariff agenda, with the president sending demand letters to trading partners setting rates for import taxes to take effect on August 1. These moves have sparked market concerns about a potential trade war and have prompted trading partners to seek deals to avoid the higher tariffs [1].

The investigations into drones and polysilicon are part of a broader effort to onshore production in the US and reduce the national emergency posed by a massive trade deficit. However, the administration's strategy has been criticized for targeting countries with which the US has a trade surplus, such as Brazil. The White House has defended the tariffs, stating that they are part of a broader strategy to reduce the national emergency and that the tariffs are not a negotiating tactic but a real measure [4].

The investigations into drones and polysilicon have significant implications for the renewable energy sector, where polysilicon is a key component. Companies like Nextracker, which specializes in solar tracker technology, could face higher costs and supply chain disruptions if tariffs are imposed. Nextracker's strategic focus on domestic manufacturing and sustainability could mitigate some of these risks, but the broader economic impact of the tariffs remains uncertain [3].

References:

[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-14/trump-probes-drones-and-polysilicon-setting-stage-for-tariffs
[2] https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2025-07-14/us-opens-national-security-probes-into-imported-drones-polysilicon
[3] https://www.ainvest.com/news/nextracker-smart-solar-trackers-pioneering-renewable-dominance-sustainable-supply-chains-2507/
[4] https://abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/white-house-defends-tariffs-brazil-despite-trade-surplus/story?id=123707996