Heads up: The US is gearing up to clamp down on imports of drones and heavy-duty vehicles from the Chinese mainland, saying it's about national security. Here's the lowdown. 🚁🚚
The Commerce Department said it'll roll out new rules this month targeting key tech in drones – from onboard computers and comms gear to flight controls – as well as trucks over 10,000 pounds (about 4.5 tonnes).
Import curbs aren't new: in January, the Biden administration finalized measures to effectively block Chinese cars and lighter trucks from 2026 onward, over software and hardware concerns.
Why drones? Chinese imports dominate the US commercial drone scene – over half come from DJI, the world's top drone maker. So these rules could send shockwaves through global supply chains.
On the flip side, Mao Ning from the Chinese Foreign Ministry pushed back, saying the US is stretching its national security claims too far and disrupting normal trade. She vowed to defend the Chinese mainland's rights and interests.
Bottom line: This move could reshape how drone tech and big rigs move around the world. For anyone into drone photography, logistics, or just tracking tech-meets-trade, this one's a must-watch. 🌏💼
Reference(s):
U.S. plans to restrict imports of Chinese drones, heavy-duty vehicles
cgtn.com
