China's commerce ministry on Wednesday added 12 U.S. companies to its export control list and six to its unreliable entities list, effective Thursday, according to ministry statements.

Companies added to the export control list include American Photonics and Novotech. Exports of dual-use items to these companies will be banned.

Those added to the unreliable entities list, including Shield AI and Sierra Nevada Corporation, will be banned from China-related import and export activities and investing in China.