China Retaliates Against U.S. Chip Sanctions by Halting Key Mineral Exports

Beijing's ban on gallium, germanium, and antimony exports escalates trade tensions and targets critical U.S. supply chains.

China has banned exports of gallium, germanium, and antimony to the U.S., citing national security concerns and targeting materials essential for semiconductors, military hardware, and advanced technology.
The move follows new U.S. export controls aimed at restricting China's access to advanced chipmaking tools and AI-enabling technologies, with 140 Chinese entities added to the U.S. Entity List.
China’s dominance in the production of these minerals, including 98% of global gallium output and 60% of germanium, gives it significant leverage in disrupting U.S. supply chains.
The export restrictions could impact U.S. industries reliant on these materials, including defense, electric vehicle battery production, and semiconductor manufacturing, with potential price surges and shortages looming.
This escalation underscores the intensifying tech and trade conflict between the two superpowers as Donald Trump prepares to take office, promising further tariffs on Chinese imports.