Strong Demand for Chinese Drones in Emerging Markets

According to a report by Nikkei on August 8, Chinese-made drones are rapidly expanding into Global South markets, with surging demand in civilian sectors such as agriculture and surveying.

The report noted that on August 5, China's Ministry of Commerce issued an announcement to tighten export controls on drone-related dual-use items to the United States. China's drone exports to the U.S. fell sharply in the first half of this year, and the downward trend is expected to intensify. However, growing exports to emerging markets are more than enough to offset the decline in U.S.-bound exports.

At an exhibition held in Shanghai on July 22, a staff member of a drone exhibitor from Suzhou, Jiangsu, said: "Overseas market demand is huge." The company mainly exports surveying drones to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

The report noted that China is vigorously developing its "low-altitude economy." Led by world-leading company DJI, China is home to many manufacturers of complete drones and key components. China is expanding exports to Belt and Road countries, aiming to enhance its influence.

Demand for drones continues to grow in infrastructure inspection, logistics, and agriculture. An executive at a Jiangsu-based drone manufacturer that exports to Southeast Asia and other regions said: "Overseas sales currently account for 10% to 15%; our goal is to raise that to 50% within three years."

The report said Cambodia signed a cooperation agreement with a college in Guangxi, China, to collaborate on drones and related technologies. The college will guide Cambodia on using drones to maintain public order and respond to disasters. The Philippines has also introduced subsidy policies since 2024 to support drone use in rice farming, with many of these drones made in China.

According to DJI, by the end of June, global sales of its agricultural drones had exceeded 700,000 units. These drones "have become an increasingly handy 'new farming tool' on the front lines of production."

The report said the U.S. government, citing so-called national security concerns, introduced restrictions in December 2025 limiting the sale of new foreign-made drone models in the U.S. Despite this, global demand — especially in emerging markets — for Chinese drones remains strong. Chinese-made drones are far cheaper than American-made ones and easier to operate.

Malaysia's Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chang Lih Kang, previously said that Malaysia and China have great room for cooperation in expanding drone applications in modern agriculture and logistics. He said: "We hope to leverage China's experience in technological development to better benefit the livelihood of Malaysians."