China suspends export controls on five strategic minerals for one year

[Flag of USA and China on a processor, 3d render.]
kritsapong jieantaratip

China’s Ministry of Commerce said Sunday it will lift export restrictions for a year on five key minerals used in semiconductors, ammunition, batteries and nuclear reactors, a move tied to last month’s Trump–Xi trade summit in South Korea.

The decision affects materials including gallium, germanium, tungsten, antimony and graphite, all of which are vital for defense and energy production. Beijing had sharply limited shipments of these minerals to the U.S. and other countries since late last year.

DIFFERENT FROM RARE EARTHS

The announcement clarifies lingering confusion following the summit, where Washington claimed Beijing agreed to broader “general licenses” for critical minerals, while China’s initial statements focused mainly on rare earth metals. The ministry instead opted for a one-year suspension of export-license requirements rather than a multiyear arrangement.

China dominates global production of both rare earths and these five minerals, giving it significant leverage in high-tech and defense supply chains. The U.S., meanwhile, is racing to develop domestic and allied sources of critical materials, though experts warn new mines and magnet plants could take years to build.

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