DJI’s Mavic 4 Pro Is a Powerhouse—Unless You Live in the U.S.

The latest drone king faces a geopolitical blockade

On May 13, 2025, DJI unveiled the Mavic 4 Pro, a drone so packed with cutting-edge tech that reviewers are calling it “the most powerful consumer drone yet.” But for American enthusiasts, the launch might as well be a mirage. Thanks to escalating tariffs and supply chain bottlenecks, the U.S. remains the odd market out—again.

“The Mavic 4 Pro isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a leap into the future of aerial photography,” says Tom’s Guide, praising its 6K/60fps HDR video and 100MP Hasselblad stills.

The specs read like a wishlist: a triple-camera system (28mm, 70mm, 168mm), a 360° Infinity Gimbal for buttery stabilization, and omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. Add a 51-minute flight time, 30km HD transmission, and a dazzling 7-inch Mini-LED controller, and it’s clear why global demand is surging. Pricing starts at $2,049 CAD in Canada, £1,879 in the UK, or €2,099 in Europe—but stateside, retailers are stuck with shrugs.

Why the U.S. is left grounded

Blame a perfect storm of trade wars and logistics. DJI drones face up to 170% tariffs in the U.S., temporarily halved to 30%—but even that’s enough to freeze official distribution. Customs officials have reportedly blocked shipments, leaving buyers to gamble on gray-market imports from Canada or Mexico. “No warranty, no support, and a 50/50 chance your drone gets held for weeks,” warns a Reddit thread on workarounds.

The irony? DJI’s dominance is undisputed. With no rival matching the Mavic 4 Pro’s tech, U.S. pilots are paying premiums on eBay or risking cross-border runs. Meanwhile, the industry watches as trade policies—not engineering—dictate who gets to play.

“It’s a bizarre reality: DJI builds the best, but America’s policies ensure only the determined can fly it,” says a drone retailer in Toronto, fielding daily calls from frustrated U.S. customers.

For now, the Mavic 4 Pro’s legacy may be as much about geopolitics as innovation. And that’s a shot no camera can fix.