DJI Reaffirms US Commitment Despite Drone Shortages
▼ Summary
– DJI drones are nearly unavailable in major US retailers like Best Buy and its own US webstore, with only older or refurbished models remaining in stock.
– A Best Buy employee cited the “US-China thing” as the reason for no longer carrying DJI drones, though Best Buy officially denied this claim.
– DJI blames US Customs for unfairly scrutinizing its imports, citing a “custom-related misunderstanding” linked to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, but US Customs has not confirmed this.
– DJI faces a potential US ban unless it passes a high-stakes government audit proving its drones don’t pose a national security threat.
– DJI’s US operations are struggling, with delayed repairs, price hikes due to tariffs, and new products like the Mavic 4 Pro skipping the US market.
DJI insists it remains dedicated to the US market despite widespread drone shortages across major retailers. Shelves at Best Buy and other stores sit empty, while online inventories dwindle, leaving customers questioning the company’s future in America.
A recent visit to a Best Buy location revealed a startling scene, the once-packed DJI section had been stripped bare. No drones, no price tags, just a few accessories gathering dust. When asked about the disappearance, an employee vaguely referenced “the US-China thing” as the reason. The situation extends beyond physical stores. DJI’s official US website shows zero drones available, while Amazon listings come from third-party sellers with questionable stock levels. Even specialty retailers like Adorama and B&H struggle to keep current models in stock, with most listed as backordered.
DJI blames US Customs for the supply chain disruption, citing an ongoing “custom-related misunderstanding” that has stalled imports. The company claims it’s working with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to resolve the issue but hasn’t provided further details. When pressed about additional factors, such as tariffs or China’s export controls, DJI declined to comment.
Behind the scenes, tensions run deeper. Reports suggest US Customs flagged DJI under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, though neither CBP nor DJI has confirmed this publicly. The company denies any involvement with forced labor and maintains it doesn’t operate in Xinjiang. Still, the lack of transparency leaves room for speculation.
Best Buy denies cutting ties with DJI but offers no explanation for the vanishing inventory. Meanwhile, DJI faces an impending US deadline, a potential ban on new products unless it passes a stringent government audit. The company has already begun withholding its latest drones from the American market, including the advanced Mavic 4 Pro.
Customers feel the strain beyond just product shortages. Repair times have ballooned to 60-90 days, and prices for existing gear have skyrocketed. The Osmo Pocket 3, for example, jumped from $519 to $799 in two months, with DJI citing tariffs as a contributing factor.
For now, DJI maintains its commitment to US customers, but the reality on store shelves tells a different story. Whether this is a temporary setback or the beginning of a full exit remains uncertain. One thing is clear, drone enthusiasts may need to explore alternatives sooner rather than later.
(Source: The Verge)
