The US government has taken another tough step regarding the import of technology. According to a new law that came into force in the country, the sale and import of all drones manufactured outside the US is prohibited.
According to the decision, which was made on the grounds of “national security”, regardless of the type of drone, if it is manufactured outside the US, it will not be able to enter the country. However, those who currently own drones manufactured abroad are allowed to continue using their existing drones.
The official statement stated that the government is concerned that criminals can create new and serious threats using drones. One of the companies most affected by the ban is DJI, the leader of the US drone market.
DJI expressed its disappointment in the decision in its statement regarding the new law. The company emphasized that not only they themselves, but many manufacturers have been harmed by this ban, and expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of a clear explanation of the reasons for the decision. At the same time, DJI stated that it does not plan to withdraw from the US market and that its products are “among the safest and most reliable drones on the market.”
The future of Chinese-made drones in the US market is particularly interesting after the ban. DJI is expected to move some of its production lines to the US. The new law is seen as part of Donald Trump's strategy to strengthen the domestic drone industry.
The US administration has been known for its tough stance against Chinese technology companies, both current and past. Trump announced in June that he would increase domestic drone production, and the new ban is seen as one of the first real steps towards that goal.
