China has banned exports of minerals gallium, germanium, and antimony to the United States, effective immediately. China’s announcement comes following a crackdown by Washington on China’s semiconductor industry on Monday.
The minerals, which have both military and civilian applications, have triggered national security concerns. Gallium and germanium are materials in semiconductors, while germanium makes up infrared technology, fiber optic cables, and solar cells.
“In principle, the export of gallium, germanium, antimony, and superhard materials to the United States shall not be permitted,” a commerce ministry official stated.
The ban, which only affects the US market, enhances existing limitations on US exports, which began in Beijing last year.
Since October, there have not been any shipments of wrought and unwrought germanium or gallium to the U.S. China has accounted for 59.2% of refined germanium output and 98.8% of refined gallium production in 2024.
Peter Arkell, chairman of the Global Mining Association of China stated, “It’s a trade war that has no winners.”
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
