On December 23, The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. government had issued a prohibition on importing and selling the majority of newly manufactured drones from overseas. This decision has ignited a wave of indignation among American drone pilots, as it poses a significant threat to their livelihoods. The pilots contend that drones produced in the U.S. are not competitive enough to serve as viable alternatives to their Chinese counterparts.
At present, the United States is home to nearly 500,000 registered commercial drone pilots. DJI, a Chinese drone manufacturer, dominates the U.S. market, holding an estimated 70% to 90% share across commercial, local government, and amateur sectors. In anticipation of the ban's impact, numerous pilots have begun stockpiling DJI drones and spare parts, fearing that their reliance on Chinese-made drones for income generation may soon come to an abrupt halt.