The Asian country’s Ministry of Commerce announced that the measure affects drones and their key components, as well as related technologies included on the national list of dual-use goods.

Exports of these items to the United States will be subject to a more rigorous, case-by-case review, with no option to utilize simplified licensing procedures.

According to the Ministry, the decision took effect immediately; it is grounded in the Export Control Law and regulations concerning dual-use products, and addresses the need to safeguard national security and interests.

This measure increases pressure on the U.S. technology sector, following Beijing’s move on June 22 to place 10 U.S. companies—linked to defense, drones, aerospace, and rare earth sectors—on its export control list, thereby prohibiting Chinese firms from supplying them with dual-use goods.

The Ministry also noted that, on that same day, the finance authority announced restrictions on government procurement of products from 46 U.S. companies—including manufacturers in the aeronautics, military systems, drone, and defense sectors—as part of a new round of trade reprisals between the two countries.

Export controls have currently become a primary tool for Beijing to respond to restrictions imposed by Washington on Chinese companies’ access to advanced technologies; China holds a dominant position in the global market for civilian drones.

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