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Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025

Does China dominate global drone markets?

Tom Kertscher / Wisconsin Watch, Wisconsin Watch
yes

Reports in 2024 and 2025 said China controls up to 90% of global drone markets. 

Media reports citing market research firm Drone Industry Insights said China controls nearly 90% of the global commercial drone market.

The U.S., reliant on Chinese-made parts, is “years behind building the manufacturing infrastructure that could come close to rivaling China’s,” Forbes reported.

MIT Technology Review reported that DJI, one China-based drone maker, has more than a 90% share of the global consumer market and that the supply chain there is “so competitive that the world can’t really use drones without it.”

The Atlantic Council think tank said China’s market dominance means Chinese-made drones operating in the U.S. can send sensitive information to China and gives China a military advantage.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, a former Wisconsin congressman, raised the issue Aug. 5.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

Sources

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