China imposes export controls on tunnel-boring machines

China has announced new export controls on several types of advanced machinery, including tunnel-boring machines (TBMs), which are scheduled to take effect on November 18, 2026. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated the measures are intended to protect national security and interests.

The restrictions are expected to impact infrastructure development in countries like India, which relies on TBMs for metro rail networks, high-speed rail lines, and tunnels in various regions, including border areas. Previous difficulties regarding these imports have been noted, including instances where a German company manufacturing TBMs in China was reportedly blocked from exporting them to India.

In addition to tunnel-boring machines, the new controls cover walking excavators, plateau-type wet shotcrete machines, and certain dredger-related items such as slurry pumps, dragheads, and cutterheads. The announcement also aligns with broader efforts by China to regulate exports of technologies related to artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and solar manufacturing.