Overview

• 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.