Beijing – China’s export controls in three important metals in the defense and chips sectors keep shipments at low historical levels despite high prices worldwide, since Beijing flexes its control over the mineral supply chain.
China is the largest world producer in Antimony, Germanio and Galio, who have niche but vital roles in clean energy, splinters and defense. Since 2023, Beijing has Gradually added metals To your export control list. In December Exports prohibited to the US.
For any element in the control list, the exhibitors must request licenses, an opaque process that allows Beijing to exercise the domain that has created for years on mining and the processing of important minerals.
The new customs data published on Sunday reinforced a pattern construction since the controls were imposed: exports have fallen and some buyers, especially in Europe, are cut from the supply chain.
Antimony exports and Germanio products in the first quarter fell 57% and 39%, respectively, compared to the previous year.
Gallium exports from March reached their lowest level in October 2023. Quarterly shipments increased last year, but the current trend is still well below 2022, the last year before it is cured.
The minerals that are exported, in the case of the antimony, go to a closer set in the country.
After A five -month parenthesisSmall antimony shipments were sent to Belgium and Germany in March, but exports were well below the historical levels and former buyers such as the Netherlands received shipments since September.
The pattern in the three metals raises questions about how many export licenses will approve China for the seven rare earth elements that Added to the control list this month – And how fast. Exporters say they Wait for months for licenses And even more time if it is sold to the United States.
There are no bone antimony exports to the United States since September last year and none from 2023 for Germanio and Gallium.
Less exports from China have left consumers abroad fighting the source material, Pushing the highest priceswhich in turn has supported prices in China.
Chinese antimony spot prices, for example, have risen in almost two thirds so far this year to a maximum record of 230,000 yuan ($ 31.509) per ton on April 18, showed the data of LSEG.
