China Tightens Export Controls on Critical Metals Amid US Tariffs
China has implemented comprehensive export controls on five essential metals: tungsten, indium, antimony, gallium, and germanium. This move comes shortly after the US imposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods.
Targeted Industries
The affected metals are widely used in defense, clean energy, and various other industries, including:
* Smartphones
* Electric car batteries
* Infrared missiles
* Ammunition
Beijing's Export Restrictions
China has been gradually restricting exports of certain minerals since 2023:
* Battery, Lithium, and Gallium Processing Technology: Proposed restrictions on technology for manufacturing battery components and processing lithium and gallium.
* Antimony, Gallium, Germanium: Export ban to the US. Export licensing regimes have been in place for over 18 months for these metals.
* Rare Earth Magnets Technology: Technology ban for making rare earth magnets, in addition to an existing ban on extraction and separation technology.
* Graphite: Export permits required for specific graphite products to protect national security.
China's Dominance
China plays a significant role in the global supply chain for these metals:
* Mines or refines between 50% and 90% of tungsten, indium, antimony, gallium, and germanium.
* Produces nearly 90% of globally refined rare earth metals.
* Is the world's leading graphite producer and exporter.