Chinese drone exports take off in Southeast Asia, other emerging markets

China techGrowing demand for civilian applications like farming in Global South offsets drop in US salesA Chinese drone on display at a trade show in Shanghai on July 22. (Photo by Itsuro Fujino)ITSURO FUJINOAugust 8, 2026 00:36 JSTGUANGZHOU -- China's exports of drones to emerging economies have surged this year, reflecting increased demand for farming, surveying and other civilian applications.