China announced Tuesday an immediate ban on exports of key minerals to the United States, citing national security concerns and extending trade restrictions as tensions mount between the world’s largest economies.
The commerce ministry directive prohibits shipments of gallium, germanium, and antimony—materials crucial for semiconductor production and military applications—specifically to the U.S. market. The order also imposes stricter end-use reviews for graphite exports.
“In principle, the export of gallium, germanium, antimony, and superhard materials to the United States shall not be permitted,” the ministry stated. The announcement follows Washington’s latest restrictions on China’s semiconductor industry, which targeted 140 Chinese companies.
China’s dominance in these minerals is significant, accounting for 98.8% of global refined gallium production and 59.2% of refined germanium output in 2023, according to consultancy Project Blue. The nation also produced 48% of globally mined antimony last year.
“The move is a considerable escalation of tensions in supply chains where access to raw material units is already tight in the West,” said Project Blue co-founder Jack Bedder. Market impact has been substantial, with antimony trioxide prices in Rotterdam surging 228% this year to $39,000 per metric ton.
Chinese customs data reveals no shipments of germanium or gallium to the U.S. through October, though America was previously among the top five markets for both minerals. The restrictions strengthen export limits Beijing began implementing last year but specifically target the U.S. market.
“It comes as no surprise that China has responded to the increasing restrictions by American authorities,” said Peter Arkell, chairman of the Global Mining Association of China, calling it “a trade war that has no winners.”
REUTERS
