China has banned exports of critical minerals gallium, germanium, and antimony to the US market, a move that could cost the country billions. The ban is in response to expanded American restrictions on chip-related technology shipments to China.
Gallium and germanium are essential for semiconductor production, used in optoelectronics, solar cells, and fiber optic cables. Antimony, meanwhile, is used in military weaponry, including armor-piercing ammunition, night vision goggles, and infrared sensors.
The US relies heavily on China for these minerals, as the country was the world’s leading producer of gallium, germanium, and antimony in 2023. The ban could result in a loss of $3.4 billion to the US GDP, according to an economic model developed by the US Geological Survey.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2024/12/05/chinas-export-ban-gallium-germanium-antimony-us-impact/76765441007