China Suspends Export Ban on Critical Minerals to US, Maintains Licensing Controls
China has lifted its total export ban on gallium, germanium, and antimony shipments to the United States, following a period of strict restrictions between August 2023 and September 2024. While the ban is now suspended, exporters must still obtain licenses from Chinese authorities before shipping these minerals, which remain on China’s dual-use export control list.
The decision follows recent bilateral talks and is set to remain effective until November 27, 2026. However, restrictions continue for US military end-users, with export bans on dual-use items still in place. These developments are strategically significant, given China’s dominant position in the global supply of these minerals, which are essential for US manufacturing sectors including semiconductors, fiber optics, and defense applications.
- Gallium, germanium, and antimony are critical for electronics and defense industries
- Suspension of the ban lasts until November 27, 2026; licensing requirements persist
- China remains the principal supplier; export controls still target US military end-users
