Beijing, China — On Tuesday, China announced that it is banning the export of critical minerals to the United States.
Notably, the country aims to ban gallium, germanium and antimony from entering the U.S. These minerals have both widespread automotive, military and manufacturing applications.
Furthermore, when looking at the automotive sector specifically, the order, which takes effect immediately, also requires stricter review of end-usage for graphite items shipped to the U.S. Graphite is the largest component by volume of electric vehicle batteries.
As originally noted by Reuters, a Chinese Commerce Ministry directive on dual-use items with both military and civilian applications cited national security concerns for the country.
“In principle, the export of gallium, germanium, antimony and superhard materials to the United States shall not be permitted,” the ministry said.
In response to this ban, Steve Fletcher, co-executive director at the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA) commented that “this makes domestic recycling, urban mining, et cetera just a little more important today and beyond.”
Fletcher further highlighted the importance of resource recovery and the value of a complete supply chain.
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