China Bans Exports Of Gallium, Germanium, And Antimony To The U.S.

China has announced that it is banning exports of gallium, germanium, antimony, and other high-tech materials to the United States, retaliating against expanded US export controls on semiconductor-related products, Elaine Kurtenbach reported for the Associated Press (AP).

The materials affected by the ban are vital for producing computer chips, cars, and military technologies.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry stated that the decision comes after Washington added Chinese companies to its export control list, targeting chipmaking equipment, software, and high-bandwidth memory chips essential for advanced applications.

President-elect Donald Trump’s threats to increase tariffs on Chinese imports have further fueled tensions over trade and technology.

“China has lodged stern protests with the US for its update of semiconductor export control measures, sanctions against Chinese companies, and malicious suppression of China’s technological progress,” said Lin Jian, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, at a routine briefing.

The materials affected by the ban are vital for producing computer chips, cars, and military technologies.

China, the world’s largest producer of these minerals, had already introduced export licensing requirements for gallium and germanium in July 2023 and announced tighter controls on antimony in August.

Antimony is used in flame retardants, batteries, and night-vision goggles, according to a 2021 US International Trade Commission report.