BANGKOK (WDNews) — China has imposed a ban on exporting high-tech minerals, including gallium, germanium, and antimony, to the United States, citing national security concerns. This move is in retaliation for recent U.S. restrictions on China’s semiconductor industry.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry emphasized the critical role these materials play in military and high-tech industries, including semiconductors, solar panels, and batteries. The ban also extends to super-hard synthetic materials used in industrial applications.
China’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the U.S. for “overstretching the concept of national security” and employing what it calls unfair export controls. Beijing announced stricter licensing requirements for these exports earlier this year, escalating tensions between the two economic superpowers.
The U.S. relies heavily on China for supplies of gallium and germanium, with few domestic mining operations in place. The bans could disrupt global supply chains and drive up costs in industries from electronics to defense.
As the trade standoff deepens, experts warn of long-term economic consequences for both nations and ripple effects across international markets.
