China Bans Exports of Gallium, Germanium, and Antimony to U.S., Tightens Graphite Controls

Dec 3, 2024, 10:24 AM

China's Ministry of Commerce announced on Tuesday, December 3, that it is banning the export to the United States of certain dual-use items related to gallium, germanium, antimony, superhard materials, and graphite. The ban is effective immediately and aims to safeguard national security and interests, as well as fulfill non-proliferation and other international obligations. Under the new measures, exports of these materials to U.S. military users or for military purposes are prohibited, and export licenses for these items are, in principle, not permitted. Additionally, China will impose stricter reviews on the export of graphite products to the U.S. The move is seen as a response to U.S. semiconductor export restrictions on Chinese companies, escalating trade tensions between the two countries.