China has prohibited the sale of many strategically vital minerals to the United States in reaction to the most recent round of American restrictions on the Chinese chip-making industry. On Tuesday, the Chinese Commerce Ministry imposed a restriction on the export of gallium, germanium, antimony, and “superhard materials” to the United States. The prohibition on dual-use materials, which have both civilian and military applications, coincides with the adoption of “stricter end-user and end-use” evaluations of graphite exports to the United States.

The declaration follows Washington’s decision to tighten export limits on semiconductor manufacturing equipment and software tools, as well as to broaden the list of Chinese enterprises subject to these restrictions. China’s rare earth metal limitations come only six weeks before Donald Trump’s inauguration, raising concerns that his presidency could usher in a new era of trade warfare between the countries.

What vital minerals has China banned? Gallium, germanium, and the metalloid antimony are the three minerals included in the most recent ban.

In July 2023, China had implemented export curbs on gallium and germanium to “safeguard national security,” according to the Associated Press. In August, Beijing also announced that anyone wishing to export antimony and “antimony-related items” would need to apply for a license by September 15. The Ministry stated at the time that this was done “in order to safeguard national security and interests, as well as fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation.”

Why are these minerals important? While gallium and germanium are not classified as rare earth metals, their distinct physical and chemical properties make them critical for the production of a wide range of modern technology.

Why are these minerals important? While gallium and germanium are not classified as rare earth metals, their distinct physical and chemical properties make them critical for the production of a wide range of modern technology.

The two metals are significant components of semiconductors, making them a valuable resource for a variety of current technology. Germanium is used as a dopant in fibre optic cables to improve signal transmission, and its high refractive index and transparency to infrared light make it suitable for thermal imaging, night vision, and surveillance equipment. Gallium-based compounds play an important role in the production of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and both metals are utilized to make high-efficiency solar cells for solar panels.

According to a 2021 report from the United States International Trade Commission, antimony is mostly used in flame retardants and lead-acid batteries. “Additionally, antimony is used in a variety of military applications, including night vision goggles, explosive formulations, flares, nuclear weapons production, and infrared sensors,” according to the paper. Antimony, like gallium and germanium, is utilized in the fabrication of semiconductor devices such infrared sensors and diodes. According to a 2023 European Union assessment on vital raw materials, China dominates antimony production today, accounting for 56% of world supply. According to the research, China produces 94% of the world’s gallium and 83% of germanium.

Which industries will be affected? China’s dominance of the global supply chain for these minerals, and the relative underdevelopment of other nations’ extraction and refinement capabilities means several industries could be impacted by the new measures. While the mention of the minerals’ “military purposes” in China’s announcement indicates that the defense industry is a key target of the ban, the wide-ranging applications of gallium, germanium and antimony also threaten to impact several others sectors.

Their role in the production of semiconductors, which are required for practically all modern devices, may have an impact on industries such as consumer electronics and renewable energy. Because germanium is used in fibre optic networks, any shortages in the United States may affect the telecommunications industry as well. However, according to the UK newspaper The Guardian, citing Chinese customs data, exports of germanium, gallium, and antimony have already declined dramatically in 2024, following the implementation of Beijing’s previous export limits

Why did China ban the export of these minerals? The prohibition can be interpreted as a response to the United States’ crackdown on China’s chip-making industry, as well as an increase in trade war rhetoric between the two countries. The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security stated on Monday that these would “further impair” Beijing’s ability to produce advanced-node semiconductors that can be used in “the next generation of advanced weapons systems,” as well as artificial intelligence with “significant military applications.”

“This action is the culmination of the Biden-Harris Administration’s targeted approach, in concert with our allies and partners, to impair the [People’s Republic of China’s] ability to indigenize the production of advanced technologies that pose a risk to our national security,” Gina Raimondo, the secretary of commerce, said.

The trade restrictions come amid President-elect Trump’s intensifying threats to put substantial taxes on all Chinese goods entering the United States once he takes office. On Saturday, Trump escalated his threats by pledging to impose a 100 percent tariff on members of the BRICS economic alliance if they attempt to create a new, alternative currency to rival the dollar.

Newsweek has reached out to the White House and the Trump transition team via email outside of normal business hours to get their reaction to the latest restroptions