China commerce ministry announces export controls for tunnel boring machines

China's commerce ministry said on ‌Monday it would set export controls on tunnel boring machines, a key piece of equipment for ‌construction in neighbouring India.

India remains heavily dependent on ‌imported tunnel boring machines, underscoring the country's long-standing struggle to build domestic manufacturing capacity. China is among the key suppliers ⁠of ​tunnelling ⁠and other boring equipment used in metro rail and highway ⁠construction. China's commerce ministry said export operators would need to ​apply for a license in accordance with ⁠provisions of export control law and regulations on the ⁠export ​control of dual-use items.

The restrictions go into effect on November 18. It also said ⁠it would adjust export control measures for drone-related items and ⁠dredgers, ⁠part of updates to the country's dual-use items exports list.