The U.S. on Monday slapped stiff export controls on a Chinese company accused of violating sanctions against North Korea, a move likely aimed at cutting off a potential supplier of sensitive industrial goods to Pyongyang.

According to a ruling from the Department of Commerce (DOC), the U.S. placed the export controls on Jiangsu Tianyuan Metal Powder Co. Ltd. for activities sanctionable under the Iran, North Korea and Syria Nonproliferation Act (INKSNA).

The controls went into effect on Feb. 14, when the Department of Commerce added Jiangsu Tianyuan to the government’s “Entity List.” Nomination to the list means U.S.