Beijing Hits Back at US Firms with Sweeping Export Restrictions

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce justified the move by citing national security concerns and a desire to combat what it termed the malicious practices of the U.S. government. Under the new directive, any organization or individual is strictly prohibited from supplying dual-use items originating from China to the designated entities, including the motor manufacturer Aveox. Previously, these firms faced only license requirements; now, they confront a total blockade on such exports.

Beyond these 10 targeted companies, the Ministry of Finance has imposed a broader ban affecting 46 additional U.S. firms. Domestic Chinese buyers are now forbidden from purchasing products from these companies, though U.S.-funded operations within China maintain a narrow exemption. This tit-for-tat cycle intensified two weeks ago when the U.S. placed Chinese heavyweights—including Alibaba, Baidu, BYD, and NIO—under scrutiny for alleged military links. The latest restrictions underscore Beijing's intent to weaponize its dominance in the mine-to-magnet supply chain as leverage in the widening trade and technology conflict.