Why You Can’t Buy the DJI Mavic 4 Pro in the U.S.

America just got ghosted. 

The newly released DJI Mavic 4 Pro is a hit, coming with a horde of great features, but if you’re in the United States, you’re out of luck. This flagship drone is not being sold to customers here. It’s a surprising and confusing situation.

Why?

Blame a cocktail of trade barriers, government bans, and geopolitical drama. In this article, we’ll break down exactly what’s keeping the Mavic 4 Pro out of American hands, and how U.S.-China tensions play a big role. 

Why Is the Mavic 4 Pro Unavailable? (5 Key Reasons)

The decision can’t be pinned on only one reason – it’s a perfect storm of factors (and they’re all connected):

• Steep Tariffs and Trade Barriers

The U.S. has slapped hefty tariffs on Chinese-made drones in recent years as part of the trade war. These import taxes (as high as 25% in the past) drive up the cost of DJI’s products. DJI specifically pointed to Trump-era tariffs as one of the main reasons it skipped the U.S. launch. Even though a 90-day pause on some tariffs was announced in 2025, DJI said that doesn’t change their plan yet. Simply put, high tariffs make it expensive and complicated to sell the Mavic 4 Pro in America, so DJI hit the pause button.

• U.S. Customs Import Issues

While these measures don’t outright ban Americans from buying DJI drones, they set a hostile tone and foreshadow possible full bans. DJI likely feared the Mavic 4 Pro could get caught in a sudden ban or seizure, so they played it safe by not offering it in the U.S.

• Pending Laws and Restrictions

U.S. lawmakers have been sharpening their knives for DJI. Congress has toyed with the idea of an outright ban on DJI drones. In fact, the House of Representatives passed a bill in 2023 that would effectively ban DJI drone imports to the U.S. While that hadn’t become law at the time, a version of it made it into the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA clause gives DJI an ultimatum: submit to a national security review or face a de facto ban by the end of 2025. 

If no U.S. agency clears DJI in that review, DJI will be automatically added to the FCC’s “Covered List” of untrusted equipment, meaning the FCC would no longer authorize DJI’s radio-equipped devices. 

In plain English: DJI drones couldn’t be legally sold in the U.S. after that. This ticking time bomb in U.S. law made DJI very skittish about launching new products like the Mavic 4 Pro in America. Why launch it, only to possibly have it banned within months? It’s a huge risk for the company and for customers who might buy an expensive drone and then face legal hurdles or lack of support.

• DJI’s Own Business Decision

Given all the factors above, DJI made the strategic (if unfortunate) decision: skip the U.S. market for now to avoid the chaos. They are conditions of high uncertainty. Between unpredictable tariffs, a hostile political climate, and import holdups, DJI felt it couldn’t guarantee a smooth launch or support for the Mavic 4 Pro in America. The company is reassessing the situation but is sticking to its no-U.S. stance until things improve. 

From DJI’s perspective, it’s better to withhold the product than to sell it amid turmoil that could hurt customers later (like if parts can’t be shipped, or if warranties can’t be honored). They emphasize that the U.S. is an “important market” and they want to keep serving American customers again.

In summary, trade tensions and security fears have effectively frozen DJI out of the U.S., and the Mavic 4 Pro is the highest-profile casualty of this freeze. It’s not a simple case of one side banning it outright; it’s a mix of economic and political pressure that led DJI to slam the brakes on U.S. sales.

Also Read: Chinese Drones Push Back Against U.S. Restrictions

National Security Concerns: Fear of a “Spy Drone”

One big piece of this puzzle is the national security angle. Over the past few years, U.S. officials have grown increasingly anxious about Chinese technology – and drones are no exception. To U.S. security hawks, a DJI drone might as well be a flying spy for Beijing. American lawmakers and agencies have openly voiced fears that DJI drones could collect sensitive data (like critical infrastructure images, or location info) and funnel it to the Chinese government. The U.S. government’s rationale for potential bans is rooted in this concern: could a Chinese-made drone be used for espionage or cyber mischief on U.S. soil?

This debate has actually split the U.S. drone industry.

On one hand, domestic drone makers (the much smaller American and allied companies) support tough measures against DJI. For example, an American agriculture drone firm Guardian Agriculture supports strict rules on Chinese drones, claiming China’s drone dominance is fueled by state backing and harms U.S. competitionm. They and others allege that “adversary-controlled drones pose serious national security threats, including remote software manipulation and supply chain dependency” (DJI calls these allegations baseless in multiple responses like this post on concerns about agricultural drones.) U.S. drone startups frankly wouldn’t mind seeing the top dog knocked down by a ban, opening the market for them.

On the other hand, many U.S. drone users (businesses, photographers, public safety agencies) are against a ban. They warn that banning DJI would leave a gaping hole because no other drones come close in price and capability. Case in point: DJI holds almost 77% of the U.S. consumer drone market as of 2020, with no single competitor even above 5%. American firefighters, farmers, and photographers love DJI gear. The American Spray Drone Coalition (which represents agricultural drone distributors) told the Commerce Department that if Chinese drones were effectively blacklisted, “90% of the spray drone industry supply would be eliminated.” 

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In other words, a ban would wipe out most crop-spraying drones overnight – a huge impact on farming operations. Public safety officials also worry that losing access to DJI would set back emergency response and infrastructure inspections, since alternatives are scarce or very expensive. 

View Drone Brands Used By US Police Departments

Some call the crackdown on DJI patriotic; others call it paranoid. But there’s no doubt that the Mavic 4 Pro got caught in this security tug-of-war. DJI decided not to even offer the drone in the U.S. partly because it didn’t want to throw fuel on the fire or put customers in a bind if a ban came down. Imagine buying a $2,700 drone and then finding out a month later that new regulations prohibit it or that you can’t get replacement parts – a nightmare for consumers and a PR disaster for DJI. By holding back the Mavic 4 Pro, DJI is essentially waiting to see if the political climate improves or worsens.

The Bigger Geopolitical Picture (U.S.–China Tech Tensions)

It helps to zoom out. 

The Mavic 4 Pro’s absence isn’t happening in isolation – it’s part of a broader tech standoff between the U.S. and China. Over the past decade, as China’s tech prowess grew, the U.S. has become increasingly wary of Chinese companies in strategic sectors. We’ve seen smartphones (Huawei, ZTE) effectively banned from U.S. networks, telecom gear ripped out of rural cell towers, and even talk of banning social apps like TikTok. It’s often under the banner of national security, though economic competition is a big underlying factor. Drones are now squarely in this spotlight.

DJI, being the world’s largest drone maker, has naturally drawn attention. The company is Chinese (based in Shenzhen), but it insists it’s a private business with no government ownership controlling it. Despite that, some U.S. officials view DJI as benefiting from Chinese state support (for example, some state-affiliated funds have minor stakes in DJI). In trade war terms, DJI is seen by some as an example of China outcompeting an industry with cheaper products – to the point that the U.S. has almost no domestic consumer drone manufacturers left. 

This is largely true: DJI’s success did drive many competitors out of the market, simply because DJI’s tech was better and often cheaper. It’s hard to forget that reality when discussing bans – if not DJI, then what? Even U.S. officials acknowledge that a ban would be tough because there’s no clear alternative that matches DJI’s price and performance.

From China’s perspective, the U.S. actions appear highly political. Chinese officials have blasted the U.S. for “overstretching the concept of national security and exerting unwarranted suppression on Chinese companies”. They argue the U.S. is using security as an excuse to hobble a foreign competitor. Beijing has repeatedly denied the human rights abuse claims in Xinjiang that were the basis for some sanctions, and they bristle at any suggestion that DJI is feeding data to the Chinese state. This drone dispute is yet another flashpoint in U.S.-China relations, which have been rocky on issues from trade to espionage accusations. The two countries are in a sort of tech Cold War, and DJI’s predicament is one casualty of that chill.

When trade negotiations sour or when Congress debates how to handle China Inc., companies like DJI feel the impact. American consumers do too – in this case, by not being able to access a top-notch product.

DJI’s Response: “We Have Nothing to Hide”

DJI’s message to the U.S. essentially boils down to: give us a fair chance and prove any wrongdoing, or let us be. 

The company has been on a public relations and lobbying blitz. DJI welcomes the U.S. government’s review of its drones – it actually wants the security review required by the NDAA to happen, sooner rather than later. Why? DJI is confident the review will find no serious issues. They’ve sent letters to five U.S. national security agencies Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and National Security Agency (NSA), urging them to begin the evaluation process right away. 

Here is the letter from DJI’s head of policy, Adam Welsh:

DJI warned that if the government drags its feet and the automatic ban kicks in without a review, they’d be blacklisted for no reason at all. That’s a bold statement, essentially accusing the U.S. of unfairly maligning the company without evidence.

DJI also emphasizes the positive side of its technology. They often note how DJI drones save lives and benefit society – used by search and rescue teams, firefighters, farmers, and engineers across America. (Indeed, DJI products have been credited with everything from finding missing people to helping contain wildfires.) The company argues that they have “done nothing to justify” these sanctions and accusations. Internally, DJI frames itself as a victim of geopolitics: a Chinese company caught between superpowers. It’s trying to reassure its U.S. user base that their drones are safe, and it’s lobbying lawmakers to consider the real-world impact of any ban. 

Adam Welsh highlighted that thousands of American businesses and first responders rely on DJI and would be hurt by a ban. He argued that banning or restricting DJI “would have a ripple effect throughout the entire U.S. drone ecosystem.” In other words, it’s not just about DJI – it’s about all the industries and jobs that depend on affordable drones.

He also held an AMA on Reddit to directly speak with consumers about their concerns:

For the specific issue with U.S. Customs (the import hold-up due to forced labor concerns), has publicly stated it does not manufacture anything in Xinjiang (the region of concern) and invited audits of its supply chain. U.S. retailers had audited its factories with no red flags. Interestingly, DJI is not actually on the U.S. government’s official UFLPA (Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act) entity list for banned Xinjiang-related goods – meaning, there wasn’t a formal finding of forced labor ties. That gives DJI some hope that the customs issue can be cleared up with documentation. They are actively working with U.S. Customs and say they remain hopeful it will be resolved. Until then, though, DJI is very wary of shipping large numbers of new drones stateside.

When it comes to the warranty and support concerns, DJI has been upfront: if you buy a drone outside your region, they might not support it. They explicitly warn of “various import regulations” and the lack of an international warranty. This is a bit unusual – it’s almost like they’re pleading with enthusiasts to wait and not create a gray market. DJI doesn’t want a mess of people smuggling drones over the border and then complaining when they can’t get them serviced. It’s another sign of how serious the company is taking the U.S. pause.

So DJI finds is in a delicate balancing act. On one hand, they’re complying with U.S. regulations as they stand. On the other, they’re vocally pushing back against the narrative that they’re a security risk. They’re basically telling the U.S., “prove we’re bad or let our drones be sold.” As a consumer, it’s a bit frustrating – you just want the cool new drone, but it’s tied up in this larger battle.

Can You Still Get A DJI Mavic 4 Pro? (And What’s Next)

All this might have you thinking: Is there any way for me to get a Mavic 4 Pro if I really want it? 

The answer: kind of, but it’s complicated. 

Officially, DJI won’t sell it to you in America. However, a few major U.S. retailers have taken matters into their own hands. For instance, retailers like B&H Photo and Adorama (in New York) are offering the Mavic 4 Pro for sale or preorder despite DJI’s no-U.S. stance. There could be stores sourcing the drones through their Canadian divisions or other channels. So if you order from them, you could actually get the drone shipped to you in the U.S. – retailing for around $2,700.

Before you jump on that, though, remember the caveats. If you buy through these unofficial channels, the warranty might not be honored by DJI (since it wasn’t a legitimate U.S. sale). You’re also potentially running afoul of any import restrictions (though as an individual consumer, you’re unlikely to have your one drone seized by customs – the issues were more at the bulk import level). Essentially, you can get the drone, but you’re taking on some risk. It’s like a “gray market” purchase. For some professionals or hardcore hobbyists, that might be worth it. For others, it’s a lot of money to spend without proper support.

Looking ahead, the situation is fluid. Here are a few things that could happen next:

• Tariff Relief or Adjustment: Trade dynamics can change. If the U.S. drops or lowers tariffs on Chinese drones (or if DJI finds a way to mitigate them, like more assembly in non-China locations), that removes one barrier. DJI did start manufacturing some products in Los Angeles a few years ago for the U.S. market to avoid tariffs, and also in Malaysia. More of that could help resume U.S. sales if tariffs stay high. Conversely, if tariffs spike even higher (there were rumors of additional drone-specific tariffs), it could cement DJI’s U.S. exit.
• Customs Issue Resolution: DJI might successfully convince U.S. Customs and Border Protection that its supply chain is clean. If the forced labor concern is cleared up, DJI could start importing models like the Air 3S and potentially the Mavic 4 Pro in larger quantities. Keep an eye out for any announcement that the “misunderstanding” was resolved. That would remove a big practical hurdle to selling in the U.S.
• Outcome of the Security Review: The big wildcard is the NDAA-mandated review. If an agency actually conducts a thorough security audit of DJI drones in 2025 and (hypothetically) gives a thumbs-up – or at least doesn’t find a smoking gun – it could defuse a lot of the political pressure. DJI would avoid being auto-banned, and we might see restrictions loosen. On the flip side, if the deadline passes with no review (or a negative review), come December 2025 DJI would be added to the FCC’s Covered List. That would effectively ban new DJI drones from U.S. sale until further notice (since they couldn’t get FCC equipment approvals). That scenario is obviously bad news for DJI fans. It could mean even existing models disappear from shelves and no new models (like a future Air or Mini) can be sold.
• Geopolitical Shifts: Broader U.S.-China relations will play a big role. If there’s a thaw – say trade talks improve or both sides reach some tech agreements – you might see things like the DJI issue quietly resolved. If relations get worse (more sanctions, tech war escalation), the DJI situation could go from a temporary halt to a full ban with enforcement. It’s hard to predict, but the drone issue is wrapped up in that larger dance between Washington and Beijing.
• DJI’s Strategy: DJI might decide that the U.S. market is too important to leave hanging. They could adapt by partnering with a U.S. entity or further localizing production to dodge restrictions. There’s also a chance DJI could find workarounds, like offering a “clean” version of their drones (with components sourced outside China to alleviate security fears – for example, some drones use French or U.S. sensors that might ease concerns). DJI hasn’t indicated such steps publicly for the Mavic 4 Pro, but the company will surely keep trying to appease regulators while serving its customers.
  

For now, U.S. consumers are in a wait-and-see period. It’s frustrating – you see folks in Canada and Europe flying the shiny new Mavic 4 Pro, while you legally can’t buy one from DJI in the States. The best you can do is either go through a third-party seller (with the risks noted) or wait hopefully. DJI says it remains committed to making their products available to U.S. customers in the future, but they just do not have an estimated timeline for when that might happen.

In the meantime, plenty of other DJI drones are still being sold in the U.S. – the Mavic 3 series, Air 2S, Mini series, etc., are all available (those models were launched before these issues came to a head). So DJI hasn’t pulled out of the U.S. entirely; it’s specifically holding back new flagship launches under the current conditions. If you need a drone now, you might opt for one of those existing models. But if you’ve got your heart set on the Mavic 4 Pro, you’ll be watching the news and DJI’s announcements closely.

In simpler times, a drone launch wouldn’t involve reading about congressional acts and export blacklists – but that’s the reality today. As an enthusiast or professional, it might feel like you’re being denied a great tool due to politics outside your control. Unfortunately, that’s true. The best hope is that over the next year or two, the U.S. and DJI sort things out – whether through a security review, policy changes, or compromises – and you’ll eventually see that Mavic 4 Pro officially on sale in America. Until then, this sleek flying machine is a prominent example of how geopolitics can grounded even the coolest tech.

In the end, the Mavic 4 Pro’s U.S. no-show is less about the drone itself and more about trust (or the lack of it) in a globalized tech world. Both sides are holding their ground: Washington says it’s guarding national security, Beijing and DJI say it’s unwarranted suppression. And you, the would-be customer, are stuck between them. 

Also Read: Tariffs, Trade Wars, and Drone Users Caught In The Middle

FAQs

Why can’t I buy the DJI Mavic 4 Pro in the United States?
You can’t buy it in the U.S. because DJI didn’t launch it here. A mix of tariffs, national security concerns and trade disputes between the U.S. and China caused them to hold off. The drone is available in many other countries but has been deliberately withheld from U.S.

Is DJI banned in the U.S.?
No, DJI is not outright banned in the U.S., but it faces several restrictions. The company is on multiple U.S. government blacklists, including the Entity List and an investment blacklist. These do not prevent you from buying their products as a consumer, but they signal serious distrust from Washington and create hurdles for sales, support, and distribution.

Can I import the Mavic 4 Pro from another country?
Yes, but it’s risky. You might be able to buy it through third-party retailers or import it from places like Canada, but DJI has warned that doing so means you’re on your own. Warranty and support won’t be available for unofficial U.S. purchases, and import restrictions could cause further complications.

Is it illegal to own a Mavic 4 Pro in the U.S.?
Nope, not illegal. You just can’t buy it directly from DJI. And while import laws are strict for companies, individual buyers usually aren’t targeted.

What role do tariffs play in this situation?
Tariffs play a huge role. The U.S. has imposed import taxes on Chinese-made drones, sometimes as high as 25%. This makes selling the Mavic 4 Pro in America expensive and complicated. Foreign manufacturers cite these trade penalties as reasons for holding back U.S. releases.

What is the issue with U.S. Customs?
DJI has faced delays and scrutiny from U.S. Customs, especially regarding alleged links to forced labor in China’s Xinjiang region. Although DJI denies any such ties and manufactures its drones in Shenzhen and Malaysia, a “misunderstanding” with Customs has blocked shipments. This has disrupted DJI’s ability to deliver new products like the Mavic 4 Pro.

Why does the U.S. consider DJI a security threat?
The U.S. government is concerned that DJI drones could be used for surveillance or cyber-espionage. Officials worry these drones might collect sensitive data and share it with Chinese intelligence. DJI denies these claims and states that users have control over their data, including options to disable internet connectivity and cloud syncing.

Is there any evidence that DJI drones spy on users?
There is no publicly confirmed evidence proving that DJI drones spy on users. While the U.S. government remains suspicious, no official reports have revealed concrete proof of espionage. Some American agencies still use DJI drones for tasks like search and rescue.

What is the NDAA and how does it affect DJI?
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes a clause that could ban DJI drones from being sold in the U.S. unless the company passes a national security review. If this review doesn’t happen by the end of 2025, DJI will be added to the FCC’s Covered List, effectively blocking future sales.

How are American retailers still selling the Mavic 4 Pro?
Retailers are likely by sourcing it from other markets like Canada. This is a workaround, not an official U.S. release. If you buy from them, you might face warranty issues or support limitations.

Are other DJI drones still available in the U.S.?
Yes, many older DJI models like the Mavic 3 series, Mini series, and Air 2S are still being sold. These were launched before the current tensions escalated and haven’t been affected by the same import or legal concerns.

How does this affect American industries?
The impact is massive. DJI holds around 77% of the U.S. consumer drone market. A full ban or limited access disrupts sectors like agriculture, emergency response, and infrastructure inspections. Many users argue that no alternative matches DJI in price or performance.

What is DJI doing to resolve this situation?
DJI has taken a public stance by requesting a national security review and sending letters to five major U.S. agencies. The company insists it has nothing to hide and is pushing for a fair assessment to clear its name.

Can U.S.-China relations affect DJI drone sales?
Absolutely. The broader political climate heavily influences DJI’s fate in the U.S. If trade relations improve, DJI could resume sales. But if tensions escalate, a full ban is possible.

Will DJI manufacture drones in other countries to avoid restrictions?
Possibly. DJI already has manufacturing facilities in Malaysia and previously assembled drones in the U.S. They might expand these efforts to sidestep tariffs and gain favor with regulators.

Should I wait or buy the Mavic 4 Pro now?
That depends on your risk tolerance. If you’re after its feature-packed performance and are okay with limited support, third-party purchases are an option. But if you want full warranty coverage and regulatory clarity, it’s safer to wait and see how things unfold.

What happens if DJI gets added to the FCC’s Covered List?
If added, DJI won’t be able to sell new radio-equipped products in the U.S. That includes most drones. This would be a de facto ban, preventing new models from entering the market and possibly affecting even existing stock.

How are other U.S. drone companies responding?
Some welcome restrictions on DJI, arguing that it gives American drone makers a chance to grow. Others worry that consumers and industries will suffer because no one else offers similar products at competitive prices.

Are any states already banning DJI drones?
Yes, several U.S. states have prohibited public agencies from using DJI drones, citing security concerns. The federal government has also limited their use across certain departments.

Is the Mavic 4 Pro worth the wait?
If you’re after its cutting-edge features, yes. The Mavic 4 Pro has received praise globally for its performance. But if you need a drone urgently, consider current DJI models still legally available in the U.S.