BEIJING – China’s export controls on three important metals across the defense and chip sector have historically maintained cargo at a low level, despite high prices around the world.
China is the world’s largest producer of antimony, germanium and gallium, and plays a niche but important role in clean energy, chipmaking and defense. Since 2023, Beijing has Gradually added metal In the export control list. In December Prohibited exports to the US.
For any item on the control list, the exporter must apply for a license. This is an opaque process that allows Beijing to exhibit the dominance that has been building over the years, in addition to mining and processing important minerals.
Fresh customs data released on Sunday reinforced the patterned buildings since control was imposed. Exports are down, and in Europe, some buyers are being cut out of the supply chain.
Antimony and germanium products exports fell 57% and 39% in the first quarter, respectively, compared to the previous year.
Gallium exports in March reached its lowest level since October 2023. Quarterly shipments increased last year, but the current trend is still large in 2022, far below the last year before the curb.
In the case of antimony, the exported minerals go to smaller countries.
rear Five month breakIn March, a small shipment of antimony was sent to Belgium and Germany, but exports were well below historic levels, with former large buyers like the Netherlands not receiving shipments since September.
Three metal patterns raise questions about the number of export licenses China approves for seven rare earth elements Added to the control list this month – And how fast? Exporters say them Expect to wait a few months for your license And it’s even longer if you sell it to the US.
There have been no antimony exports to the US since September last year.
Due to low exports from China, overseas consumers are rushing to source the materials. Push the price highersupports Chinese prices.
For example, China’s spot prices have jumped nearly two-thirds of their record highs of 230,000 yuan ($31,509) per tonne this year so far this year, LSEG data shows.
