Why are people in Hong Kong struggling to buy DJI drones?

There’s no release date for the Mavic Mini in Hong Kong despite Shenzhen-based DJI being founded in the city

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A DJI Mavic Pro 2 is seen on display at the new DJI store at the Consumer Electronics Exchange/Exhibition Center (CEEC) in Shenzhen on September 4, 2018. (Picture: Roy Issa/SCMP)

Published: 10:00am, 8 Nov 2019Updated: 10:00am, 8 Nov 2019

This article originally appeared on ABACUS

DJI, the Shenzhen-based consumer drone behemoth, was founded in a Hong Kong dorm room. But recently, hobbyists in the protest-embroiled city say they can no longer purchase the brand’s Chinese-made drones.

Recent models, including the Mavic 2 line and Mavic Air, are out of stock in DJI Hong Kong’s online store. An employee at DJI’s flagship store in downtown Hong Kong confirmed on Thursday that they have no stock left, except for a combo set of the Mavic 2 Pro and Smart Controller.

These drones are still available for purchase elsewhere, such as the US and, more tellingly, Hong Kong’s next-door neighbor Macau. The recently unveiled Mavic Mini, which is available for preorder worldwide, is listed as “not available” in Hong Kong.

We reached out to DJI about the lack of drones in Hong Kong and whether an export ban is in place in China. A spokesperson told us the company “doesn’t comment on speculation or rumors” and that the availability of the Mavic Mini in Hong Kong will be announced at a later date.

Recent drone models are running out of stock on DJI Hong Kong’s online store. (Picture: DJI)

Members of drone enthusiast groups have taken notice of the drone shortage. Some report that they couldn’t get their broken drones fixed. On DJI’s repair service booking site, a message reads, “Because the accessories necessary for repair are out of stock, we temporarily cannot provide the repair service for your ‘Mavic 2 Pro, Phantom 4.’”

Users also say they have trouble buying drone parts from shopping sites based in China.