**China Limits Drone Exports to West**
Chinese manufacturers are now restricting the export of important drone parts to Western countries, such as the US and Europe. This is according to Bloomberg, which spoke to sources familiar with the situation.
These restrictions are likely to get even tighter next year, 2025. China’s government will then need special permits to sell certain types of drones to foreign buyers. Drones play a big role in Ukraine‘s defense against Russia, but China’s previous export rules have already made it harder for them to get these important machines.
There is growing tension between the US and China over drone trade. In 2023, China limited the sale of long-range civilian drones, which requires special permission to sell to foreign buyers. This year, China even banned US companies from selling drones in China. The US has been keeping a close eye on Chinese drone makers like DJI.
The new rules might require companies to get licenses before exporting drone parts or to tell the government when they plan to ship these components overseas. This is already affecting businesses in both the US and Europe, as some Chinese producers have stopped sending motors, batteries, and flight controllers abroad.