China responded to US sanctions with its own bans: what are the consequences for the West?

China has banned the export of gallium, germanium and antimony minerals to the US, which have potential military applications. The move was a response to recent US restrictions aimed at the Chinese chip industry. 

This reports Reuters.

The export ban on these materials took effect immediately and includes stricter controls on the end-use of graphite products exported to the United States.

“In general, the export of gallium, germanium, antimony and superhard materials to the United States is not permitted,” the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.

China continues to restrict exports of these strategic minerals, which are essential for Western technologies, including semiconductors and infrared technologies. According to consulting firm Project Blue, China is producing 59.2% of the world's refined germanium and 98.8% of refined gallium this year, and last year China accounted for 48% of the world's production of antimony, which is used in ammunition, infrared missiles, nuclear weapons and night-vision goggles.

“This is an escalation of tensions in supply chains where access to raw materials is already limited in the West,” – said Project Blue co-founder Jack Bader.

Export restrictions have already led to a sharp increase in antimony prices, particularly in Europe, where prices for antimony trioxide have increased by 228% and reached $39,000 per ton.

“It is not surprising that China has responded to the increased restrictions from the US authorities, both current and future, with its own restrictions on the supply of these strategic minerals. This is a trade war in which there are no winners”,  – said Peter Arkell, chairman of the World Mining Association of China.