Gallium, germanium

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Gallium and germanium are used in microchips, fiber optic cables and solar panels, for example.

(Bild: stock.adobe.com)

The trade dispute between China and the United States is intensifying even before future US President Donald Trump, who is threatening to impose tariffs, takes office. The export of several metals will be banned with immediate effect, as the Ministry of Commerce in Beijing announced on Tuesday.

"The export of gallium, germanium, antimony and super-hard materials to the United States is strictly prohibited," the Chinese ministry said.

Chips, fiberglass, solar panels
Gallium and germanium are used in microchips, fiber optic cables and solar panels, for example. According to the Association of German Engineers (VDI), China dominates the market for both metals with a global market share of 90 percent for gallium and around 80 percent for germanium.

Only on Monday, the US government tightened its embargo on technology exports to China once again, targeting chip industry suppliers in particular.

The trade disputes between the world's two largest economies were thus growing even before Trump took office on January 20. He had intensified his tariff threats against China following his election victory in November.

Tougher stance even earlier
The Chinese government had already restricted the export of important minerals last year. However, up to and including October, there have been no Chinese shipments of raw germanium or gallium to the USA this year. This is despite the fact that the United States was the fourth and fifth largest markets for these minerals, as Chinese customs data shows.

China's exports of antimony products slumped by 97 percent in October compared to September after measures to limit exports came into force. Last year, the People's Republic accounted for 48 percent of the antimony mined worldwide, which is used in ammunition, infrared missiles, nuclear weapons and night-vision devices as well as in batteries and photovoltaic systems.