Developing | China restricts critical mineral exports to US in response to new tech curbs

China announced it would restrict its exports to the United States of minerals crucial to the tech trade on Tuesday – one day after Washington unveiled new, expansive restrictions intended to limit Beijing’s capacity to design and produce advanced semiconductors – as both countries leverage their comparative advantage in an ongoing rivalry over the invaluable sector.

In a notice on Tuesday, the Ministry of Commerce said it has banned the exports of several minerals termed “dual-use items” – products or materials which carry both civilian and military applications.

Effective immediately, the move prohibits “in principle” all exports to the US of gallium, germanium, antimony and superhard materials – essential raw materials in military production.

For graphite – a substance used to make batteries and fuel cells and is a common material in the defence and aerospace sectors – any shipment to the US will undergo more stringent review of its intended use, according to the notice.

The ministry said the measure is in line with China’s export control law, safeguards national security and fulfills international non-proliferation obligations.

More to follow…