As dawn breaks over Southeast Asian rice fields, agricultural drones from Guangdong’s capital, Guangzhou, glide above golden crops, precisely distributing fertilizer. Half a world away in Brazil’s farmlands, these “aerial robots” deftly navigate plantations, targeting pests with pesticide sprays.
From January to May 2025, Guangzhou exported over 6,100 drones – a staggering 252% year-on-year surge – with agricultural models comprising more than half.
The low-altitude economy is positioned as a strategic emerging industry under Guangzhou’s "12218" modern industrial plan, which lays out the key industries the city aims to foster in the coming years.
As Guangzhou-invented drones become common sights in fields worldwide, the city is also subtly revolutionizing 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, a leading agritech company in Guangzhou.
Under prevailing regulations in China, drone export enterprises must complete export licensing procedures, subject to joint review and approval by the Ministry of Commerce along with 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.
From Brazilian fields to Belt and Road projects, Guangzhou’s drones – propelled by regional support and tech innovation – are charting new frontiers in the global low-altitude economy.
The city is now establishing a "Trusted Exporter List," prioritizing customs clearance for certified companies. XAG’s technologies now operate across over 70 countries.
(XAG broke drone deals)
Besides, Guangzhou has also secured premium exhibition space for drone companies at trade events such as the Canton Fair and organized matchmaking sessions to connect them with global buyers, noted XAG’s Overseas Director.
(International buyers eye Guangzhou’s drones at trade fairs)
Financial institutions are also offering tailored support: another leading drone tech company, Hongpeng Helicopter Technology, confirmed a 1.2-percentage-point loan rate cut from Bank of China Guangzhou, saving 60,000 yuan annually. "This accelerates our R&D by three months," he added.
For the next step, Guangzhou Commerce officials pledge to achieve 100% AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certification for top exporters and establish specialized district-level policies.
Reporter | Huang Xinyi
Photo | Guangzhou Commerce Bureau
Editor | Hu Nan, James, Shen He
