US toughens export rules by blacklisting Chinese and Russian firms
Military End User list comprises 103 companies that pose an ‘unacceptable risk’ of diverting goods to the Chinese, Russian or Venezuelan military.
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) in the US Department of Commerce announced on 21 December that it has added a new Military End User (MEU) list to the Export Administration Regulations.
A total of 58 Chinese and 45 Russian companies, such as Chinese aviation conglomerate AVIC and its subsidiaries as well as Russian defence giant Rostec, were deemed to represent an unacceptable risk of use in or diversion to military recipients in China, Russia, or Venezuela.
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said: ‘The Department recognizes the importance of leveraging its partnerships with US and global companies to combat efforts by China and Russia to divert US technology for their destabilising military programmes, including by highlighting red flag indicators such as those related to Communist Chinese military companies identified by the Department of Defense.’
The MEU List informs US exporters and re-exporters that a licence will be required to export, re-export, or transfer (in-country) designated items to listed entities.
While the initial MEU list includes 103 companies, additional parties may be added or deleted according to a determination made by the End-User Review Committee. This is an interagency body comprising the Departments of Commerce, Defense, Energy, State and (where appropriate) the Treasury.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat]()
Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat
Estonian-made equipment is being put through the toughest of evaluations in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers resisting the full-scale Russian invasion which began in 2022. The country has long seen the threat and is continuing to adapt for the future.
-
![Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister]()
Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister
Estonia is looking to boost its local defence industry with directed funding, industry parks, support through international orders for equipment and rapid prototyping.
-
![UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens]()
UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens
The UK has recently deployed a Type 45 destroyer to Cyprus and has bolstered its presence in the Middle East in recent weeks with supporting air power to protect neighbouring countries’ air defences.
-
![White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production]()
White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production
Intended to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran, efforts to increase the production of weapons and ammunition could expose long-standing weaknesses in the US defence industrial base.
-
![India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict]()
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
![Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?]()
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.
