Overview
- China’s Commerce Ministry said the suspension of the December 2024 ban takes effect immediately and runs until November 27, 2026.
- The move covers gallium, germanium, antimony, super-hard materials such as tungsten, and eases separate controls on graphite exports.
- Officials cast the decision as part of a broader de-escalation after the October 30 Xi–Trump meeting, alongside extended tariff suspensions and the cessation of some agricultural tariffs.
- A White House fact sheet described broad general licenses to allow shipments to U.S. manufacturers, but China’s statement did not reference that framework, highlighting a gap in the two sides’ accounts.
- China dominates global output of these materials, including about 94% of gallium and 83% of germanium, underscoring the stakes for semiconductor, fiber-optic and defense supply chains.