China has decided to lift the export ban on gallium, germanium, and antimony to the United States, which are essential metals for various modern technologies, especially semiconductors, as stated by Beijing’s commerce ministry on Sunday. The ban, initially imposed in December 2024, targeted the export of “dual-use” materials that could serve both civilian and military purposes. The suspension of the ban will be effective until November 27, 2026, according to the commerce ministry.
This move follows a meeting between leaders Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in South Korea on October 30, where they agreed to ease some of the punitive measures enacted during their trade dispute. The escalating tariffs had reached high triple-digit levels at one point, significantly affecting trade between the world’s top two economies and causing disruptions in global supply chains.
Throughout the trade conflict, China aimed to utilize its control over crucial minerals that support a wide range of products, from smartphones to advanced military equipment.