China's export controls are curbing critical mineral shipments to the world

BEIJING, April 20 (Reuters) - China's export controls on three metals important across the defence and chip sectors are keeping shipments at historically low levels despite high prices worldwide as Beijing flexes its control over the minerals supply chain.

China is the world's largest producer of antimony, germanium and gallium, which have niche but vital roles in clean energy, chipmaking and defence. Since 2023, Beijing has gradually added the metals to its export controls list. In December it banned exports to the U.S.

For any item on the control list, exporters must apply for licenses, an opaque process which allows Beijing to exert the dominance it has built for years over the mining and processing of important minerals.

Fresh customs data released on Sunday reinforced a pattern building since controls were imposed: exports are down and some buyers, especially in Europe, are cut out of the supply chain.

Exports of antimony and germanium products in the first quarter were down 57% and 39%, respectively, compared to a year earlier.

March exports of gallium hit their lowest level since October 2023. Quarterly shipments were up on last year, but the current t...
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