DJI vs. USA: Government imposes trade ban on drone manufacturer

After the trade ban against Huawei, the U.S. government now also imposes a trade ban against the drone and gimbal manufacturer DJI. Thus, DJI is now on a kind of “blacklist” with other “banned” Chinese companies.

No more sales in the States?

Specifically, the trade ban means that American manufacturers and companies are prohibited from supplying, i.e. exporting parts, to DJI. Not yet official, but it is also conceivable that DJI will no longer be allowed to sell the drones and gimbals it manufactures on the U.S. market.

On the part of the U.S. government, “human rights violations,” “high-tech surveillance” and “support for oppressive regimes” through export shipments to certain countries were reasons for the imposed trade ban. In addition, security concerns due to espionage and cyberattacks by parts produced in China were cited.

For the sake of completeness, the complete list of Chinese companies that have been banned from trading:

• SZ DJI Technology Co, Ltd.
• AGCU Scientech
• China National Scientific Instruments and Materials
• Kuang Chi Group

It is still unclear how the trade ban will now specifically affect the drone market leader’s production and sales. This remains to be seen in the coming weeks. Just recently, the launch of the new DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced, intended for commercial purposes, took place.

DJI itself commented by saying that customers can continue to buy DJI products without any restrictions and not to worry. A statement that could not be expected otherwise in such a situation. Huawei also made a similar statement at the time of the trade ban. What else can a company comment on. The next few weeks will reveal to what extent and whether customers will now be restricted.

Your thoughts on the trade ban against DJI? Are you worried about no longer being able to buy drones and gimbals from the manufacturer?