China significantly reduced its civilian drone exports to the United States in November 2024, with shipments dropping eight-fold compared to the same period in 2023, according to data from the U.S. Customs Service.
Chinese drone exports to the U.S. totaled $2.9 million in November 2024, marking a sharp decline from October 2024 levels. This figure represents the lowest November purchase volume since 2022, when the U.S. began importing drones from China.
Between January and November 2024, the total value of Chinese drone shipments to the U.S. fell to $84.2 million, a 2.4-fold decrease from $205 million during the same period in 2023.
In November 2024, U.S. imports primarily consisted of civilian drones with takeoff weights between 250 grams (9 ounces) and 7 kilograms (15 pounds), valued at $1.4 million. Drones weighing between 25 and 150 kilograms accounted for an additional $1 million.
Despite the decline, China remained the second-largest supplier of drones to the U.S. in November, following Vietnam, which exported $10.8 million worth of drones. Other top suppliers included South Korea ($1.9 million), Malaysia ($1.6 million), and Switzerland ($1.2 million).
The report highlighted a broader reduction in U.S. drone imports, with declines not only from China ($19.4 million) but also from Malaysia ($40.9 million) and Canada ($1.3 million). Increased imports from Vietnam, South Korea, and other nations were insufficient to offset the overall decline, leading to a 3.4-fold drop in total U.S. drone imports year-on-year.
