DJI, the world’s leading drone manufacturer, has unveiled its most advanced consumer drone to date—the Mavic 4 Pro—but notably, it will not be launching in the United States. This decision underscores the ongoing trade tensions and regulatory challenges that continue to affect Chinese tech companies operating in the U.S. market.
The Mavic 4 Pro boasts a suite of cutting-edge features designed to appeal to professional and enthusiast drone users. It includes a 360-degree rotating gimbal, a 100-megapixel camera capable of capturing 6K video at 60 frames per second in HDR, and an impressive flight time of up to 51 minutes. The drone also offers omnidirectional obstacle avoidance in low-light conditions, a top speed nearing 56 mph, and substantial internal storage capacity. Priced between $2,000 and $2,500, the Mavic 4 Pro is set to be available in markets such as Canada and Mexico.
Despite securing all necessary regulatory approvals, including from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), DJI cites lingering tariffs from the Trump era and unresolved U.S. customs issues as primary reasons for excluding the American market from this launch. The company has advised U.S. customers against purchasing the drone abroad, noting that warranties will not be honored outside the country of purchase.
This development highlights the broader challenges faced by Chinese technology firms in the United States, where trade policies and national security concerns have led to increased scrutiny and barriers to market entry. For U.S. consumers and professionals who have come to rely on DJI’s innovative drone technology, the absence of the Mavic 4 Pro represents a significant gap in the market. As trade negotiations and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, the future availability of such advanced technologies in the U.S. remains uncertain.