China adds 10 US organisations to export control list

China has added 10 U.S. entities, including major defence-linked and critical minerals companies such as MP Materials and USA Rare Earth, to its export control list, tightening restrictions on the supply of dual-use goods amid escalating trade and technology tensions with Washington.

The Ministry of Commerce said the decision was a response to what it described as the “U.S. government’s malicious practice” of restricting Chinese firms. It said the measures were taken to safeguard national security and interests and to fulfil international obligations such as non-proliferation, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

Among the companies listed are MP Materials, which operates the only active rare earth mine in the United States, USA Rare Earth, both of which are involved in the mine-to-magnet supply chain, and Aveox, a manufacturer of motors used in mission-critical applications. The companies were not available for comment outside business hours.

The new rules prohibit Chinese exporters from supplying dual-use goods to the designated entities and extend the ban globally.

“Organisations and individuals in any country or region are prohibited from transferring or supplying dual-use items originating in China to those entities,” the ministry said, adding that export activities should be stopped immediately.

The measures effectively constitute a full ban on dual-use exports to the listed firms and further tighten previous licensing requirements. Any ongoing export transactions must also be halted, with exceptions requiring approval from Chinese authorities.

In a separate action, China’s Ministry of Finance announced restrictions targeting 46 U.S. companies, barring Chinese buyers from procuring products manufactured by them. However, the ban does not apply to U.S.-funded enterprises operating within China.

Analysts noted that the move appears to be a largely symbolic response to Washington’s expanded “1260H” list of Chinese technology companies, which includes firms such as Alibaba, Baidu, BYD, and NIO.

“Most of the companies are U.S. defence industry players or they have close connections with the U.S. government... Those companies are not going to do business in China, so the impact will be quite symbolic,” said George Chen, partner for Greater China at the Asia Group, a geopolitical advisory firm.

“Beijing’s move today is a proportional response to the Department of War’s 1260H list.”

By Sabina Mammadli