China’s decision to ban the export of gallium, germanium, antimony, and superhard materials to the U.S. is a monumental shift in the trade conflict between the two powers. These minerals are essential for industries like semiconductors, renewable energy, and defense, and their restricted access could significantly disrupt U.S. supply chains and economic stability.
Gallium, critical for semiconductors, sees 98.8% of its refined production coming from China. Germanium, used in solar panels and fiber optics, is similarly dominated by China, which produces 59.2% of the global supply. Antimony, vital for batteries and flame retardants, has 48% of its global mining controlled by China. These figures underscore China’s stranglehold on the global market for these strategic resources.
The economic fallout for the U.S. could run into billions as industries scramble to find alternative sources. This move comes in response to U.S. export controls targeting Chinese technology firms, deepening accusations on both sides of “weaponizing” trade.
This ban not only threatens U.S. technological and industrial sectors but also highlights the critical need for diversification of mineral sources to mitigate reliance on a single supplier. The stakes are high, and this development could reshape global supply chain strategies.
https://deepnewz.com/china-ban-rare-minerals-export-impact-us-economy-6c449fd5
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