China’s new drone export controls add stricter reviews for shipments to the United States. Exporters are now required to obtain approval for each shipment of covered items instead of relying on streamlined licensing processes. Authorities will assess the products, end users, and intended applications under existing export control regulations. This order targets unmanned aerial vehicles, significant components, and technologies that meet China’s thresholds for controlled items. China already regulates specific drone engines, communication devices, sensors, and anti-drone systems. Additionally, civilian drones are prohibited from export if intended for military use. The new policies tighten scrutiny specifically on controlled items destined for the United States. Furthermore, Beijing has prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in transactions or cooperation with six US entities. The list includes Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. Chinese authorities accused these organizations of supporting US restrictions related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. An additional order also bans Compliance Testing LLC from conducting business. China explained that the Arizona-based testing firm had supported Federal Communications Commission measures affecting Chinese tech companies. Expansion of Export Controls Beyond Drones China has also initiated a national security investigation into imported office equipment that contains foreign-developed system software. The probe covers imported printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that utilize foreign drivers or embedded software. Officials indicated that the review will evaluate import dependency, domestic demand, supply chains, and potential impacts on national security interests. The Ministry of Commerce
Eurozone manufacturing output accelerated in July while new orders and exports stayed weak. The survey’s output index climbed from 51.7 to 52.9, reaching its highest point since March 2022. While production accelerated faster than overall manufacturing activity, companies primarily relied on work from previous months. New orders grew only marginally and lagged behind the pace of production, with exports declining once more. The downturn in France, Spain, Italy, and Austria outweighed gains elsewhere in the euro area. Consequently, the increase in July’s production was largely driven by existing order backlogs. Factories worked through unfinished orders at the fastest rate since January, as they completed existing commitments. This reduction in backlogs helped sustain output even amid weak new demand. Additionally, manufacturers cut employment once again in July, extending a period of job reductions across the sector. Companies continued to carefully manage staffing levels amid limited order growth. Business confidence improved to its highest level since February, although it remained below the long-term average among eurozone goods producers. Demand growth lags behind production increases Persistent exports continued to be a major obstacle to manufacturing recovery. Several large eurozone economies reported fewer orders from international clients. Gains in other markets were not enough to offset those declines. As a result, domestic and export demand together yielded only a slight increase in total new work. These figures contrasted with the stronger rise in output and the quicker reduction in outstanding orders. Factories entered the third quarter with higher production levels than new
Business
Eurozone manufacturing output accelerated in July while new orders and exports stayed weak. The survey’s output index climbed from 51.7 to 52.9, reaching its highest point since March 2022. While production accelerated faster than overall manufacturing activity, companies primarily relied on work from previous months. New orders grew only marginally and lagged behind the pace of production, with exports declining once more. The downturn in France, Spain, Italy, and Austria outweighed gains elsewhere in the euro area. Consequently, the increase in July’s production was largely driven by existing order backlogs. Factories worked through unfinished orders at the fastest rate since January, as they completed existing commitments. This reduction in backlogs helped sustain output even amid weak new demand. Additionally, manufacturers cut employment once again in July, extending a period of job reductions across the sector. Companies continued to carefully manage staffing levels amid limited order growth. Business confidence improved to its highest level since February, although it remained below the long-term average among eurozone goods producers. Demand growth lags behind production increases Persistent exports continued to be a major obstacle to manufacturing recovery. Several large eurozone economies reported fewer orders from international clients. Gains in other markets were not enough to offset those declines. As a result, domestic and export demand together yielded only a slight increase in total new work. These figures contrasted with the stronger rise in output and the quicker reduction in outstanding orders. Factories entered the third quarter with higher production levels than new
News
China’s new drone export controls add stricter reviews for shipments to the United States. Exporters are now required to obtain approval for each shipment of covered items instead of relying on streamlined licensing processes. Authorities will assess the products, end users, and intended applications under existing export control regulations. This order targets unmanned aerial vehicles, significant components, and technologies that meet China’s thresholds for controlled items. China already regulates specific drone engines, communication devices, sensors, and anti-drone systems. Additionally, civilian drones are prohibited from export if intended for military use. The new policies tighten scrutiny specifically on controlled items destined for the United States. Furthermore, Beijing has prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in transactions or cooperation with six US entities. The list includes Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. Chinese authorities accused these organizations of supporting US restrictions related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. An additional order also bans Compliance Testing LLC from conducting business. China explained that the Arizona-based testing firm had supported Federal Communications Commission measures affecting Chinese tech companies. Expansion of Export Controls Beyond Drones China has also initiated a national security investigation into imported office equipment that contains foreign-developed system software. The probe covers imported printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that utilize foreign drivers or embedded software. Officials indicated that the review will evaluate import dependency, domestic demand, supply chains, and potential impacts on national security interests. The Ministry of Commerce
Health
Moderna initiates Ebola vaccine Phase 1 trial amid ongoing DR Congo outbreak. The trial will be conducted across three sites in Canada, enrolling approximately 80 healthy adults. The primary goals are to evaluate the vaccine’s safety, tolerability, and its capacity to generate an immune response. It is important to note that this Phase 1 study will not assess the vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing infection, as early-phase trials focus on safety data. The WHO documented 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths in DR Congo through July 30, with at least 651 recoveries by that date. As of August 4, CEPI updated these figures, reporting over 3,800 infections and more than 1,700 deaths. The cases are spread across 49 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo provinces, with 33 zones reporting recent infections and Ituri accounting for 88% of confirmed cases.
