Drone Pilot Based in the U.S. Struggles to Purchase DJI Drones Amidst Stock Shortage - Will a Price Hike Follow?
Amidst a persistent shortage, DJI's US online webstore currently lacks consumer drones such as the Mini 4 Pro, Air 3S, and Neo. This scarcity stems primarily from customs-related issues and import disruptions, according to industry insiders.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has intensified inspections and enforcement actions, raising concerns including alleged forced labor in certain Chinese factories - claims DJI vehemently denies, stating their drones are not manufactured in the flagged regions. This has significantly impacted DJI’s ability to stock and import drones and related equipment into the US market.
High tariffs, political tensions, and an unpredictable customs environment have further compounded the problem, making it financially and logistically difficult for DJI to introduce new models like the Mavic 4 Pro in the US. Major US retailers such as Best Buy, Amazon, B&H Photo, and Adorama have reported near-total depletion of DJI drone stock, leaving mostly older or refurbished units available, if any.
DJI has publicly reaffirmed their commitment to the US market and is actively working with CBP to resolve these "customs-related misunderstandings" and resume normal supply levels.
In the meantime, prices from third-party sellers like Adorama are generally higher than usual and vary depending on the model and seller inventory. For instance, the DJI Air 3S with the RC-N3 remote is selling for $1,199 at Adorama, $100 more than the price on DJI’s website. The Mini Flip is listed for $862 at Adorama, above its $639 list price. The Mini 4 Pro is listed for $1,599 on third-party sellers on Amazon, while its list price is $759 with the RC-N2.
Some camera brands have adjusted prices over the last few weeks, leading to speculation that DJI may do the same. Older models, such as the DJI Mini 3, may present a solution, selling for $419 on Amazon. The DJI Action 5 Pro and the DJI Mic Mini are still in stock on DJI's US web store.
Hillary K. Grigonis, a licensed drone pilot and the US coverage lead for Digital Camera World, comments, "This situation is expected to continue until DJI and US customs authorities reach a resolution, possibly by August 2025 or later." Grigonis has a decade of experience writing about cameras and technology.
Three months after US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs, DJI's US web store shelves are looking bare. The US and China agreed to ease tariffs at 30 percent on Chinese imports, but details were sparse. The DJI Air 3S, with its larger one-inch sensor on the main camera and a secondary camera with a longer telephoto lens, is available at some retailers, but stock is limited and it is currently backordered at Adorama. The DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine Combo is listed for $5,499 at Adorama, above its $4,799 list price.
[1] https://www.dji.com/newsroom/press-releases/dji-statement-on-us-customs-and-border-protection-inspections [2] https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/dji-says-us-customs-inspections-hampering-drone-exports-2021-10-11/ [3] https://www.dji.com/newsroom/press-releases/dji-statement-on-us-customs-and-border-protection-inspections [4] https://www.cnet.com/tech/drones/dji-drone-shortage-us-customs-issues-affecting-supply-chain/
- The persistent shortage of DJI drones like the Mini 4 Pro, Air 3S, and Neo is causing concerns due to customs-related issues and import disruptions.
- DJI has admitted that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspections and enforcement actions have impacted their ability to stock and import drones and related equipment into the US market.
- Some argue that this problem has been exacerbated by allegations of forced labor in certain Chinese factories, a claim DJI strongly denies.
- Until a resolution is reached between DJI and US customs authorities, prices from third-party sellers like Adorama and Amazon may be higher than usual and stock may be limited.
- Older drone models like the DJI Mini 3 and the DJI Action 5 Pro are still available but may present a more affordable solution in this uncertain market.
- According to Hillary K. Grigonis, a licensed drone pilot and the US coverage lead for Digital Camera World, this situation might continue until August 2025 or later.
