There has been an exponential upsurge in commercial drone exports from Guangzhou, Guangdong province in China this year, reports from the country claim.
China Daily claims it has it that Guangzhou saw more than 6,100 drones in the first five months of 2025, up 252 percent year-on-year, and achieved a record for the period, quoting a statement released by the municipal commerce bureau of the provincial capital.
More than half of the 6,134 drones delivered are for agricultural use, the statement said.
Which should come with little surprise because Guangzhou is the home of XAG, the smart agriculture technology company that specialises in manufacturing agricultural drones.
Other big manufacturers, like DJI, EHang, Autel, and Xpeng Aeroht have significant operations in the area too, and are now actively expanding their global presence.
The surge of the city's drone businesses is playing a bigger role in the development of the global farm management sector, allowing high-tech-assisted agriculture to benefit more countries and regions around the world, it added.
Most of the drones were exported to markets in Southeast Asia, South America and Central Asia.
Liu Qing, director of the foreign trade management office of Guangzhou's municipal commerce bureau, said the city's rapid growth of drone exports has indicated that Guangzhou's low-altitude economy, represented by drones, is gaining traction in the global market.
Liu attributed the surge of the city's drone exports to local drone enterprises' greater efforts in exploring the global market since the beginning of the year, leading to bigger brand influence and global market share.
"Under the premise of standardized management, the convenience of drone exports continues to improve through institutional innovation."
As Guangzhou-invented drones become common sights in fields worldwide, the city is also subtly revolutionising drone industry support and management systems through streamlined export procedures and enhanced financial support.
"Export licenses previously took two months. Now, accelerated approvals help us secure international orders," said Qian Shuting, Public Affairs Director at XAG.
Under prevailing regulations in China, drone export enterprises must complete export licensing procedures, subject to joint review and approval by the country’s Commerce ministry and other competent agencies.
To shorten these procedures, Guangzhou’s commerce authority has created "green channels" for agricultural drone export reviews, slashing approval times while ensuring end-user compliance.
"Efficiency is crucial for us to seize orders," Qian added, explaining that the customised approval from government departments has addressed the urgent needs of enterprises.
"From accelerated approval to convenient Customs clearance, government services have truly made us feel the improvement of Guangzhou's business environment."
Established in 2007, XAG is one of China's largest agricultural drone manufacturers and a smart agriculture technology company.
The company is also a national "little giant" enterprise, which refers to outstanding specialised, high-tech small and medium-sized firms.