SpaceX has called on the US government to address trade barriers that impact its global operations, particularly its Starlink satellite service.

The company claims it faces higher costs than foreign competitors due to import duties, regulatory fees, and the need to pay foreign governments for access to spectrum.

These challenges are seen as non-tariff trade barriers that inflate operating expenses and slow the rollout of its service in many countries.

Starlink, which operates in over 120 markets worldwide, has to navigate additional hurdles in some regions, including coordination with domestic satellite operators for spectrum sharing.

SpaceX has argued that such requirements are deliberately designed to protect local competitors, making it harder for the company to offer its lower-cost, high-quality services abroad.

The call for action comes amid wider discussions about trade barriers affecting American businesses. Companies like Tesla, also owned by Elon Musk, have warned of the risks posed by retaliatory tariffs resulting from trade tensions, particularly with countries like China, Canada, and the EU.

Musk has long been involved in efforts to streamline government regulations and advocate for freer trade policies.