China retaliates against US export controls with bans on critical materials
China imposed export controls on gallium and germanium in 2023, two metals that are vital parts of the semiconductor, telecommunications, and electric vehicle industries.
China has retaliated against the tightening export controls placed on it by the United States by banning shipments to the US of key materials used in semiconductor manufacturing and military applications. Gallium, germanium, antimony, and super-hard materials are some of the dual-use items China is prohibiting from export. Beijing is also imposing stricter controls on graphite.
China imposed export controls on gallium and germanium in 2023, two metals that are vital parts of the semiconductor, telecommunications, and electric vehicle industries. Exporters need to apply for licenses from the commerce ministry if they want to ship them out of the country. In August 2024, China introduced the same limits on antimony, a metal used in batteries and photovoltaic equipment, as well as military applications such as ammunition, infrared missiles, nuclear weapons and night vision goggles.
The new ban strengthens existing limits on these exports, but they only apply to the US. China is also requiring stricter reviews of end-users and end-uses for exports of graphite, a critical component of electric vehicle batteries.