DJI Drone Imports Face U.S. Scrutiny, Driving Up Prices — What’s Next in 2025?
By JOSE J. FIGUEROA, DroneNIT Report May 3, 2025 Washington, D.C. — A growing standoff over national security and trade policy has placed DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer, at the center of U.S. import restrictions, disrupting consumer access and causing a spike in drone prices across the country. In late 2024 and into early 2025, U.S. regulators expanded import restrictions on DJI drones, citing concerns over data security and alleged ties between DJI and the Chinese government. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Commerce have both taken steps to tighten rules, including placing DJI on an entity list that limits U.S. companies from doing business with it, and restricting access to certain U.S.-made components like chips and sensors. As a result, shipments of DJI drones to the U.S. have slowed considerably. Retailers report as much as a 30% price increase on popular models such as the DJI Mini series and the Mavic 3 Pro, with some mod...