China has announced a ban on exporting key high-tech materials to the United States, including gallium, germanium, and antimony, amid escalating tensions over chip sanctions. The move follows US restrictions on Chinese companies involved in semiconductor-related exports.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry imposed the ban as a “general principle” after the US expanded its list of Chinese companies subject to export controls. The US has been limiting access to advanced processor chips and other technology for national security reasons, sparking frustration among China’s government and industry associations.
China says it is protecting itself from US trade restrictions, while the US claims its measures are necessary for national security. The ban affects exports of materials used in computer chips, cars, and other products. China is a major producer of antimony, a key material for nuclear weapon production, batteries, and night-vision goggles.
The move comes as President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to sharply raise tariffs on imports from China. The ban is expected to have a mixed impact on prices for the critical minerals, with antimony prices more than doubling this year.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/china-us-tech-semiconductor-chip-gallium-6b4216551e200fb719caa6a6cc67e2a4