China suspends export ban on key tech metals to the United States
China has announced the temporary suspension of its export ban on gallium, germanium, and antimony, critical 'dual-use' metals essential for modern technology and manufacturing, to the United States. This move, effective until November 27, 2026, signals a significant de-escalation of trade tensions following the recent summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in South Korea. The decision also includes an easing of restrictions on graphite and other strategic materials.
China's Ministry of Commerce announced on Sunday the suspension of its ban on the export of gallium, germanium, and antimony to the United States. These elements, though not classified as rare earths, are crucial raw materials for modern manufacturing, including semiconductors, LED lights, solar panels, fiber optics, and advanced military systems.
The restrictions, originally imposed in December 2024, targeted so-called "dual-use" goods—items that have both civilian and military applications. The Ministry's statement indicates that the suspension will remain in place until November 27, 2026.
This announcement represents a fresh sign of goodwill from Beijing and follows the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in South Korea on October 30. That summit was instrumental in dispelling months of tensions that had negatively affected the global economy.
The original December 2024 ban stipulated that "in principle, the export to the United States of dual-use products related to gallium, germanium, antimony, and super-hard materials would not be authorized." That clause is now paused.
The control over these materials has been a key point of contention as the two global powers compete for technological dominance. Gallium is essential for integrated circuits and photovoltaics, while Germanium is indispensable for optical fibers and infrared technology. China holds a dominant position as a major global producer of these metals.
In a related move, the Commerce Ministry also announced an easing of the stricter end-user and end-use purpose checks for exports of dual-use graphite products to the U.S., which were also announced in December 2024. Furthermore, China had previously signaled a broader calm by extending the suspension of certain additional tariffs on U.S. products for a year and halting supplementary tariffs imposed on U.S. agricultural goods, such as soybeans, which heavily impacted regions favorable to President Trump.
