Beijing suspends ban on exports of critical minerals to Washington for one year

BEIJING, Nov. 09 (YPA) – China announced on Sunday the suspending of its ban on exports of critical metals, such as gallium, germanium, and antimony, to the United States until November 27, 2026.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce explained that the decision falls under measures related to the export of dual-use materials (military and civilian), noting that the ban had been implemented on December 3 of last year on companies associated with the US defense industry.

Beijing imposed the ban last year, one day after the administration of former US President Joe Biden announced additional restrictions on China’s semiconductor sector.

The current suspension comes within the context of understandings reached by US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during their meeting in Busan, South Korea, at the end of October, where the two sides agreed to suspend economic and trade disputes.

Last September, the United States suspended the application of what is known as the “asset list” for a year. This list includes partnerships in which foreign companies own more than 50% of the shares. In return, on October 9, China agreed to suspend reciprocal measures against Washington related to rare earth export controls.

Gallium, germanium, and antimony are essential metals in advanced technology industries, particularly in semiconductor production.