China Temporarily Lifts Ban on Gallium, Germanium, and Antimony Exports to the U.S.

China has announced the suspension of its export ban on gallium, germanium, and antimony to the United States, a move expected to ease supply tensions in key industrial sectors. According to the Ministry of Commerce, the suspension took effect on Sunday and will remain in place until November 27, 2026. These metals, vital for manufacturing semiconductors, fiber-optic cables, ammunition, and flame retardants, were previously under a strict export ban imposed in December 2024 after Washington introduced new restrictions on China’s chip industry.

The initial export controls began in August 2023, expanding over the following year before targeting the U.S. directly. The ban led to significant shortages across American industries, prompting some importers to seek alternative routes through third countries to obtain the critical materials. The recent decision to suspend the ban signals a softening in China’s stance on strategic mineral exports and follows a high-profile meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, where trade relations were a central topic.

Despite the suspension, the three metals remain listed under China’s dual-use export control regulations, meaning exporters will still need government licenses for shipments abroad. Furthermore, the suspension does not lift existing prohibitions on the export of dual-use items to U.S. military users, which were implemented alongside the original metals ban last year.

In a related move, China’s Ministry of Commerce also announced the suspension of stricter licensing checks for graphite exports to the U.S., signaling a broader effort to stabilize trade ties. Analysts view these steps as a potential easing of tensions in the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute over technology and critical materials.