China Escalates Trade War With U.S. by Banning Key Critical Mineral Exports

Beijing's latest export restrictions on gallium, germanium, and antimony target U.S. technology and defense industries, exacerbating supply chain vulnerabilities.

• China has imposed a full export ban on gallium, germanium, and antimony to the U.S., crucial materials for semiconductors, military hardware, and renewable energy technologies.
• The U.S. is heavily dependent on imports for these minerals, with China being a significant supplier, accounting for 21% of gallium, 63% of antimony, and 26% of germanium imports in recent years.
• The bans are seen as retaliation against U.S. restrictions on semiconductor exports to China and signal Beijing's readiness for harsher responses to future trade measures under the incoming Trump administration.
• The Pentagon warns that the ban could disrupt over 1,000 U.S. weapons systems, including components critical to nuclear weapons, night vision goggles, and EV batteries, highlighting risks to national security.
• Efforts to rebuild domestic critical mineral production in the U.S. face significant challenges, with new mining projects and alternative supply chains expected to take years to develop.

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