In a significant move signalling escalating trade and security tensions between China and the United States, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce added 12 US companies to its export control list, effectively banning the export of dual-use items to these entities.
The directive, issued by the Bureau of Security and Control under the Ministry of Commerce, China, went into effect from 12:01 AM on April 10, 2025, and is being implemented in accordance with China’s Export Control Law and related regulations.
Dual-use export prohibited
The announcement clearly outlines that all exports of dual-use items—goods and technologies that can be used for both civilian and military applications—are prohibited to the listed US entities. Any ongoing export activities must be immediately halted.
“In special circumstances where export is indeed necessary, the export operator shall submit an application to the Ministry of Commerce,” the official statement read.
The ministry emphasised that the action is meant to safeguard national security and interests and to meet China’s international obligations, including those related to non-proliferation.
12 US companies named
Among the firms added to the blacklist are defence contractors, drone technology firms, and communication system developers. The full list includes:
- American Photonics
- Novotech, Inc.
- Echodyne
- Marvin Engineering Company, Inc.
- Exovera
- Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.
- BRINC Drones, Inc.
- SYNEXXUS, Inc.
- Firestorm Labs, Inc.
- Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems, Inc.
- Domo Tactical Communications
- Insitu, Inc.
These companies are believed to be involved in defense and surveillance-related technologies that the Chinese government deems sensitive under its export laws.
This announcement comes just days after US President Donald Trump imposed a 125% tariff on select Chinese imports, reigniting trade hostilities between the world’s two largest economies. Reacting to this, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated: “China does not seek a trade war, but it is not afraid of one. The US cause lacks public support and is doomed to fail.”
He further asserted that China would not remain passive in the face of threats to its sovereignty and economic interests.