Update: China Places Rheinmetall, 13 Other European Companies on Export Control List

11:01 AM EDT, 07/27/2026 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with Rheinmetall's statement) China's Commerce Ministry included German arms maker Rheinmetall (RHM.F) and 13 other European Union-based entities in its export control list, citing national security and non-proliferation obligations. The decision, which takes effect immediately, bans export operators from exporting dual-use items to the 14 companies and prohibits foreign parties from providing Chinese dual-use items to the entities, according to a July 24 release. The EU companies added to the list also comprise Vigo Photonics (VGO.WA), Lafert, Garnet, Sindlhauser Materials, Antraco Chemie-Handelsgesellschaft, InPACT, III-V LAB, Cavok, Politechnika Wroclawska, IHC Merwede Holding, Tatra Trucks, Opticoelectron Group and Ekspla. A Rheinmetall spokesperson told MT Newswires it is too early to comment, adding that it is gathering available facts and expects to reach a conclusion "shortly."