China has banned exports of gallium, germanium and antimony to the US in the latest escalation of trade tensions between the two countries.
Citing national security concerns, China’s Commerce Ministry issued a directive on Tuesday barring exports of the critical minerals, which have potential military applications.
“The export of gallium, germanium, antimony, and superhard materials to the United States shall not be permitted,” it said.
Beijing’s ban on the exports comes after Washington on Monday launched its third crackdown in as many years on Chinese semiconductor firms, including curbing exports.
A White House spokesperson in turn said “necessary steps” would be taken in response.
“These new controls only underscore the importance of strengthening our efforts with other countries to de-risk and diversify critical supply chains,” they added.
China has accounted for over 59% and almost 98% of refined germanium and gallium output respectively so far in 2024, while 48% of antimony came from the country last year.
Antimony’s uses stretch from ammunition and night vision to batteries, while germanium can detect radiation and gallium is used in the likes of thermometers and semiconductors.