China’s Ministry of Commerce announced a ban on exports of germanium, antimony, gallium, and other high-tech materials to the U.S., a response to Washington’s restrictions on exports related to semiconductors.
China’s Retaliation
The bans followed the U.S.’s decision to expand its list of Chinese tech companies facing export controls on chip-making software, equipment, and memory chips.
The new Chinese restrictions also cover exports of diamonds and other extremely dense, non-compressible synthetic materials used in various industrial sectors, such as disc brakes, protective coatings, and cutting tools.
A History of Restrictions
Last year, China said exporters would need to apply for licenses to send materials such as germanium and gallium to the U.S. In August, the country’s commerce ministry stated that it would also tighten controls on graphite exports and restrict antimony exports.
Products That Could Be Affected
China is a large producer of antimony, which companies use to produce batteries, flame retardants, and night-vision goggles. The country is also a major global source of germanium and gallium, which are essential to the production of chips for cars, phones, solar panels, and military technology.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. gets approximately half of its germanium and gallium supply from China.
Image credit: Joaquin Corbalan P/Shutterstock
