China temporarily lifted the ban on the export of key materials to the USA
China has suspended the ban on the export of “dual-use goods” to the United States, including gallium, germanium, antimony, and super-strong materials, which are important for American industry.
The Ministry of Commerce of the PRC announced that this measure will be valid until November 27, 2026, notes Reuters. The ban was introduced in December 2024. China has also eased strict checks for end-users and the export of dual-purpose graphite.
This move followed the conclusion of an annual trade agreement between the USA and China, announced by President Donald Trump after a meeting with PRC Chairman Xi Jinping on October 30. Earlier, China announced the suspension of other export control measures introduced in October concerning rare earth materials and lithium battery components.
The importance of these measures is due to the significant dependence of the USA on Chinese supplies of critical elements needed for the production of modern technologies, including electronic components.
According to Bloomberg, the Netherlands is ready to give up state control over the chip manufacturer Nexperia, owned by China’s Wingtech Technology, if China resumes the export of chips.
The situation around the export of important materials highlights the complex economic relations between the two largest economies in the world, as the countries try to find a balance between national security and economic growth.
| Element | Importance | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Gallium | Critically important | Manufacturing electronics |
| Germanium | Critically important | Optical devices |
| Antimony | Critically important | Alloying metals |
| Super-strong materials | Critically important | Various industrial sectors |
