Tunnelling through: On China’s export control list, tunnel-boring machines

Tunnelling through: On China’s export control list, tunnel-boring machines Domestic manufacturing and foreign partnerships must go hand-in-hand The Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs decision to place tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) on an export control list reveals a blind spot in India’s supply chain diversification. The curbs include TBMs, walking excavators, and high-altitude wet shotcrete machines. From November 18, if a shipment is intended for countries or regions deemed sensitive due to ongoing disputes with China, exporters will need an export licence from commerce authorities. For other countries/regions, exporters will need to be registered, obtain an export certificate, and submit end-use declarations stating that the equipment will not be re-routed to sensitive locations. While China has cornered around 70% of the global TBM market, prominent manufacturers in the West also maintain substantial component supply chains in the country to cut manufacturing overhead.