export controls

In Q3 2025 the global drone market faces significant supply-chain pressure from component shortages, tariffs, and logistics delays, with China historically dominating motor, ESC, battery, flight controller, camera, sensor, propeller, and carbon-fiber airframe production. After China tightened dual-use drone component exports in late 2024, infrared sensor exports fell by 30% and prices tripled, while U.S.-bound component volume dropped 60% and high-end infrared modules rose from $400–$500 to over $1,500. In April 2025 the United States imposed a 125% tariff on Chinese drone imports, pushing total import taxes to about 170% and lifting prices roughly 2.7x for many Chinese-made drones and