China bans dual-use exports to 14 European entities including Rheinmetall

China's commerce ministry announced on Friday, 24 July 2026 (2 Mordad 1405), that it had added 14 European Union entities to its export control list, citing national security concerns. Under the order, effective immediately, the export of dual-use items from China to those 14 entities is prohibited, and foreign companies are likewise barred from supplying them with dual-use items of Chinese origin. Dual-use items are goods with both civilian and military applications, including some rare earth elements.

Among the listed entities are German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, Italian electric motor maker Lafert, Czech firm Tatra Trucks, which produces military vehicles, Dutch shipbuilding company IHC and French drone developer Cavok UAS.

A commerce ministry spokesperson described the move as a response to what it called "egregious" actions by the European Union. A day earlier, Brussels had targeted 14 companies from mainland China and Hong Kong in its latest sanctions package against Russia.