China Imposes Sanctions on 18 U.S. Companies: Escalating Tensions in the Trade War

On April 9, 2025, China ramped up trade tensions with the United States by imposing sanctions on 18 prominent American companies, a bold response to U.S. tariffs and policies. These sanctions are split into two key measures: an Export Control List and the Unreliable Entity List, effectively curbing U.S. companies’ access to the Chinese market.

Export Control List:

Twelve U.S. companies have been added to China’s Export Control List, which prohibits them from receiving exports of dual-use goods (those that can be used for both civilian and military purposes) from China. Among the affected companies are:

• American Photonics
• Novotech
• Teledyne Brown Engineering
• Insitu (a Boeing-owned company)
• Shield AI
• Sierra Nevada Corporation
• Various defense contractors, aerospace, and telecommunications firms

These companies represent some of the most innovative sectors of U.S. technology and defense, highlighting the increasing risks of geopolitical conflicts in the global supply chain.

Unreliable Entity List:

Additionally, six U.S. companies have been placed on China’s Unreliable Entity List, which effectively bans them from trade and investment activities within China. This list includes:

• Shield AI
• Sierra Nevada Corporation
• Various technology, aerospace, and telecommunications companies

These moves are seen as a direct countermeasure to the U.S. administration’s decision to implement tariffs as high as 104% on Chinese imports, creating a stark division between the two global superpowers.

This escalation reflects China’s strategy to counteract U.S. trade measures, particularly focusing on industries deemed crucial to national security, such as defense, technology, and telecommunications. The sanctions are a powerful reminder of how interconnected the global economy is, and how quickly trade relations can shift due to geopolitical disputes.

The specific details of all the companies affected by these sanctions have not been fully disclosed, and it’s expected that this list may evolve over time. For the most accurate and timely information, keep an eye on official communications from China’s Ministry of Commerce and trusted news outlets.