Earlier this week, China announced a ban on exports of the minerals gallium, germanium, and antimony to the U.S., all of which have widespread military applications. The rule also increases the review of end-usage for graphite items shipped to the U.S.

China has curbed the export of these and other critical minerals across the board, but the new restrictions only apply to the U.S. market, further escalating trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies ahead of President-elect Donald Trump taking office next month.

Gallium and germanium are used in semiconductors, while germanium is also used in infrared technology, fiber optic cables and solar cells. Antimony is used in bullets and other weaponry, while graphite is the largest component by volume of electric vehicle batteries. 12/3/2024