US Commerce Department Considers Banning Chinese Drones from DJI, Autel Robotics Under Trump Administration

Jan 2, 2025, 02:15 PM

The U.S. Commerce Department is considering new rules that would impose restrictions or potentially ban Chinese drones in the United States, citing national security concerns. The department is seeking public comments until March 4 on potential regulations aimed at safeguarding the drone supply chain. It warns that threats from China and Russia could allow adversaries to remotely access and manipulate these devices, exposing sensitive U.S. data. China dominates the U.S. commercial drone market, with companies like DJI and Autel Robotics being major players. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo has indicated that the department might impose restrictions similar to those that could ban Chinese vehicles from the U.S., focusing on drones with Chinese and Russian equipment, chips, and software. Last month, President Joe Biden signed legislation that could ban DJI and Autel Robotics from selling new drone models in the U.S. The decision on these new rules will be made by the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on January 20.