China has imposed a ban on exports of key critical minerals, including gallium, germanium and antimony, to the United States. The move, which targets materials with significant military applications, comes just a day after Washington’s latest actions against China’s chip sector, further intensifying trade tensions between the two largest economies.
The new curbs strengthen existing export restrictions that Beijing began enforcing last year, but are now specifically directed at the U.S. market. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce cited national security concerns related to dual-use items with both military and civilian applications. The directive, which takes effect immediately, also imposes stricter reviews on the export of graphite items to the U.S.
The ministry’s statement clarified that the export of gallium, germanium, antimony, and superhard materials to the United States will be restricted. Gallium and germanium are critical to semiconductor production, with germanium also used in infrared technology, fiber optic cables, and solar cells. Antimony is used in military applications, including bullets and weaponry, while graphite is a key component in electric vehicle batteries.
This move has raised fears that China may extend its restrictions to other crucial minerals, such as nickel and cobalt, which have broader industrial applications. Todd Malan of Talon Metals, a company exploring nickel deposits in the U.S., noted that China has been signaling its willingness to take such actions, leaving the U.S. to consider how to respond.
The U.S. government is currently evaluating China’s new restrictions and will take “necessary steps” in response, a White House spokesperson stated, although no further details were provided.
