Drone Maker Stocks Are Tanking. Why a New Tariff Isn’t Boosting the Sector.

The Trump administration is determined to bring manufacturing activity back to the U.S., and tariffs are one of its important tools. In mid-August, President Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff on certain drones and their components to take effect on Sept. 3, 21 days later. “We view the move as positive for domestic producers,” wrote Jefferies analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu at the time, noting that AeroVironment AEVEX Teledyne Technologies Redwire Kratos Defense & Security Solutions and Elbit Systems could benefit.