- SpaceX is tightening its supply chain rules by excluding Chinese nationals and components.
- The company checks whether any managers, engineers, or employees at a supplier's plant are Chinese nationals and requests their replacement if they are involved in projects for SpaceX.
- SpaceX avoids purchasing critical components from Chinese suppliers or from manufacturing facilities based in China, regardless of ownership.
- Products supplied to SpaceX cannot include parts made by Chinese companies.
- SpaceX is developing an 'NCNT' (non-China, non-Taiwan) supply chain to mitigate risks associated with geopolitical tensions.
SpaceX is implementing stringent supply chain measures to exclude Chinese nationals and components, as it develops an 'NCNT' (non-China, non-Taiwan) supply chain.12
The company has instructed suppliers to ensure that no Chinese nationals are employed at facilities manufacturing products for SpaceX.
According to a report by Nikkei Asia, SpaceX is also avoiding critical components from Chinese suppliers or manufacturing facilities in China, regardless of ownership.3
An industry executive noted that SpaceX actively checks the nationality of managers and engineers at supplier plants.
This move is part of SpaceX's strategy to mitigate geopolitical risks, particularly as it plays a crucial role in U.S. space missions, including Nasa's Artemis programme, highlighting the strategic importance of its technology for U.S. national security.
Another supplier executive confirmed that products supplied to SpaceX must not include parts made by Chinese companies, reinforcing the company's commitment to a secure supply chain.4
“SpaceX is actively checking for Chinese nationals among managers and engineers at supplier plants, asking for replacements if found. Additionally, the company is avoiding critical components from Chinese suppliers or facilities in China, emphasizing a strategic shift to a non-China, non-Taiwan supply chain.”
