Google has once again requested permission from the South Korean government to export high-precision map data, marking its third attempt in nearly two decades. The move, confirmed by local media reports including Chosun Biz and ET News, comes amid increasing US trade pressure and raises concerns about the impact on South Korea’s domestic digital mapping industry.

The US-China trade war is stuck in a deadlock, with both governments refusing to back down. Beijing’s early defiance—vowing to “fight to the end”—gave way to silence after Washington announced tariff hikes reaching 145%, signaling a tactical recalibration by Chinese authorities.

China has positioned the low-altitude economy as a cornerstone of its future industrial strategy, with drones serving as the linchpin of this burgeoning sector. Leveraging its early entry into the drone industry, China has secured a dominant global market share, accounting for 70% of commercial drone sales worldwide. This leadership stems from a combination of state-backed technological advancements and cost-effective manufacturing, enabling Chinese firms to outpace international competitors.