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The Chinese side stopped export to Western countries of gallium and germanium products – rare earth materials that are mainly used for the production of chips. Reuters writes about it with reference to data from the Chinese customs authorities.
Supplies of metals important to the West stopped after Beijing exported 8.63 tons of germanium products in mid-summer, which in comparison with the start of the season, it doubled its stock. The increase in volumes is explained by the desire of foreign buyers to increase purchases before the introduction of trade sanctions. Gallium exports from China did not exceed 5.15 tons in July, while 7.67 tons were delivered in the same period in 2023.
According to the innovation, local sellers of gallium and germanium must obtain an export license. Meanwhile, according to one of the suppliers, it takes the organization about 45 working days to process these requests.
PRC authorities have suspended exports of gallium and germanium since August 1, another step in the rivalry between Beijing and Washington for access to resources for production high-tech semiconductors.