China Curbs Tunnel Boring Machine Exports, Indian Projects in Focus
Image: Global Times / VCG (file photo)
China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has announced export controls on tunnel boring machines (TBMs) and some heavy construction equipment, a move that could affect underground metro, high-speed rail and tunnel projects in India. The measures, announced on Monday, October 19, with China’s General Administration of Customs, take effect on November 18, PTI and the Chinese state-run Global Times reported.
Tunnel Borers, Walking Excavators and Shotcrete Machines
The list covers full-face tunnel boring machines and parts specially designed for them, walking excavators that can climb obstacles over 1.2 metres and ford water deeper than 1.5 metres, and wet shotcrete machines built for work above 3,000 metres. Shotcrete machines spray concrete to line tunnel walls. Controls on some dredger parts such as slurry pumps and cutterheads were also tightened.
MOFCOM said the items have “clear dual-use characteristics” and that the measures protect national security and interests. Exporters must apply for licences, list dual-use control codes in customs declarations, and may have shipments held while customs verifies them. Global Times reported that licences will be needed for exports to “sensitive countries and regions” with which China has disputes.
Metro Lines and Border Tunnels
PTI reported that the curbs could hurt infrastructure work in India, including metro systems, high-speed rail lines and tunnels, some of them in border areas. Large tunnelling projects depend on TBMs, and many machines in use worldwide are made or assembled in China.
China has restricted TBM exports to India before. In 2024, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal told then German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck that Beijing was not allowing a German company’s China-based unit to ship TBMs to India, PTI said.
Licences to Be Reviewed Under Chinese Law
A MOFCOM spokesperson said applications that meet legal requirements will be approved, and that China wants to keep global supply chains stable and is open to export control dialogue with other countries. There was no immediate response from the Indian government.
The announcement came days after MOFCOM released a draft list proposing export limits on 14 technologies, including in artificial intelligence, biotechnology and solar power.
India is also widening trade ties elsewhere, with the India-New Zealand trade deal taking effect on October 20. How New Delhi and project builders respond before November 18 will be watched closely. More updates are on our Economy page.
Based on reporting by PTI via DT Next, OrissaPOST and Global Times.
Image: Global Times / VCG (file photo of China’s Ministry of Commerce).
