SpaceX has called on the U.S. government to tackle trade barriers that hinder its Starlink satellite communications service in international markets, highlighting that foreign competitors do not incur import costs within the U.S.

The company, owned by Elon Musk, pointed out that it faces expenses from foreign governments for spectrum access, import duties on Starlink equipment, and various regulatory fees, which collectively “artificially” raise its operational costs overseas.

Starlink is active in over 120 markets globally; however, in certain regions, SpaceX must negotiate spectrum sharing with local satellite providers before launching its services.

In a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office dated Tuesday, SpaceX highlighted the challenges it faces in expanding Starlink’s global footprint. The Elon Musk-owned company stated that it is required to pay foreign governments for spectrum access, import duties on Starlink equipment, and other regulatory fees, which it claims “artificially” inflate operating costs in international markets.

Starlink’s Global Operations and Challenges

Starlink, which provides high-speed satellite internet, currently operates in over 120 countries. However, in some markets, SpaceX must coordinate spectrum sharing with domestic satellite operators before it can activate its service. The company described these requirements as “protectionist non-tariff trade barriers” that hinder its ability to compete fairly.

“These anti-competitive policies have been used by foreign operators to block or slow SpaceX from providing a better quality and lower-cost service to customers in those countries,” said Matt Dunn, SpaceX’s senior director for global government affairs, in the letter.

Broader Trade Tensions

SpaceX’s concerns come amid escalating trade tensions affecting American companies globally. For instance, Tesla, another company led by Elon Musk, recently warned that it and other major U.S. exporters are vulnerable to retaliatory tariffs. These tariffs stem from aggressive trade policies implemented during the Trump administration, which imposed significant tariffs on goods from countries like Canada, China, and the European Union.

Musk, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, has been a prominent figure in efforts to reduce the size of the federal government. He currently heads the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, a White House initiative aimed at streamlining federal operations.

As SpaceX continues to expand Starlink’s global reach, the company is calling for a more level playing field in international markets. By addressing trade barriers and ensuring fair competition, SpaceX aims to deliver its high-quality, low-cost satellite internet service to more customers worldwide.