U.S. Customs blocking DJI drone imports

[ryguy80]

Explains why the Air 3S isn’t for sale domestically in the U.S. Seems like the situation is getting uglier than better between the two countries.

DJI says US customs is blocking its drone imports

“A customs-related issue is hindering” drone shipments, DJI claims.

www.theverge.com

 

[mavic3usa]

Have they tried the southern border, seems pretty porous down there.....I jest.

 

[davidarmenb]

This absolutely does explain everything. It is not a shock to me given how much DJI is hated by our idiot politicians.

 

[mavic3usa]

well well well, last night DJI truck was spotted trying to sneak drones in thru the border, doesn't surprise me they got caught:

 

[Greasy]

This absolutely does explain everything. It is not a shock to me given how much DJI is hated by our idiot politicians.

But they love their Chinese Cell Phones lol.

 

[davidarmenb]

But they love their Chinese Cell Phones lol.

Isn’t that interesting? Especially given that said cell phones are imported at numbers 1000s of times greater than all DJI drones ever imported, combined.

 

[Starz]

well well well, last night DJI truck was spotted trying to sneak drones in thru the border, doesn't surprise me they got caught:

View attachment 178421

Always interesting what people can create now with a little A.I. image.

 

[MS Coast]

Always interesting what people can create now with a little A.I. image.

"Interesting" wasn't the adjective that came to mind.

 

[ryguy80]

But they love their Chinese Cell Phones lol.

If DJI was headquartered in the U.S. this would be a non-factor. It's why Apple gets away with it.

 

[GFields]

If there were an American-made drone that has the same quality and price, I would buy it. Truth is, there are none!

 

[Spartan Drones]

Explains why the Air 3S isn’t for sale domestically in the U.S. Seems like the situation is getting uglier than better between the two countries.

DJI says US customs is blocking its drone imports

“A customs-related issue is hindering” drone shipments, DJI claims.

www.theverge.com

Just goes to show what $ and good lobbyists can do to your competition.

 

[msinger]

Here's a related video with some firsthand details on this topic:

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[davidarmenb]

If there were an American-made drone that has the same quality and price, I would buy it. Truth is, there are none!

I second that. I buy American literally as much as possible, including my vehicles, unless it’s ridiculous, such as paying more for an inferior product.

 

[Max Headroom]

But they love their Chinese Cell Phones lol.

Do you also have Chinese broadband modems in America?

 

[Rchawks]

Everything is made in China. Japan used to be the cheap product, then it wasn't and became known for high quality. Then China was the cheap place for CEO's to have their outsourced product made. Now look how good these products can be. I no longer check for the country source anymore. What US company (or companies in other countries) make 100% of their product in house.

 

[tstr14]

If there were an American-made drone that has the same quality and price, I would buy it. Truth is, there are none!

I could even fudge a bit on the price, especially if it offered things dji does not, like backward compatibility with products. American labor costs can not compete with China because the two country's economy is so different, but that doesn't mean we can't out do them in technology, features, support and other areas. Nearly all people vote with their wallet, and I fully understand that, but as one who's job was directly (and negatively) impacted by foreign competitors, I am will to pay more for American goods than many are. It's a shame but America's manufacturing systems are rapidly disappearing, most likely forever.

 

[SolodarWest]

Ordered Air 3S on Tuesday Oct 15. Located in US. Status updated in DHL last night to “Shipment has been given a release status by Customs”. Still showing delivery on Monday Oct 21. Being patient and waiting to see what actually happens.

 

[rwilliam99]

I could even fudge a bit on the price, especially if it offered things dji does not, like backward compatibility with products. American labor costs can not compete with China because the two country's economy is so different, but that doesn't mean we can't out do them in technology, features, support and other areas. Nearly all people vote with their wallet, and I fully understand that, but as one who's job was directly (and negatively) impacted by foreign competitors, I am will to pay more for American goods than many are. It's a shame but America's manufacturing systems are rapidly disappearing, most likely forever.

Improvements in robotics and automation are the only saving grace I think. I've heard some success stories of companies leveraging cutting edge automated manufacturing being able to compete with China on price. The downside is that the number of people required for those plants is vastly smaller than it used to be.

I too wish there were a US Made alternative, but there is not unfortunately. You have to give DJI credit - they have really done a great job on innovation. And interestingly enough, even though they have little competition in the consumer space, they still continue to innovate.

 

[SolodarWest]

Update: Departed DHL facility in Los Angeles.

Appears they have this resolved and shipments should all be flowing (based on my limited data set of 1).

 

[AMann]

Improvements in robotics and automation are the only saving grace I think. I've heard some success stories of companies leveraging cutting edge automated manufacturing being able to compete with China on price. The downside is that the number of people required for those plants is vastly smaller than it used to be.

I too wish there were a US Made alternative, but there is not unfortunately. You have to give DJI credit - they have really done a great job on innovation. And interestingly enough, even though they have little competition in the consumer space, they still continue to innovate.

And if things end up that the 200% tariffs can be enacted in the US (no politics please), consumers will still be paying for DJI products and the increased cost of those tariffs because of the lack of comparable domestic choices. Clearly, we are behind when it came to design innovation for many types of electronic devices, and there were only a few innovative US outliers such as Apple for this. When we finally do catch up, I don’t think the domestic manufacturers will offer much of a lower or even comparable price than what DJI will offer, even without tariffs. I think all new drones are about to become a lot more expensive.