Marking a fresh thaw in US–China trade tensions, Beijing has suspended its export ban on key tech metals vital to global semiconductor and defence industries.
China has suspended its ban on the export of several key technology-related materials, in a move signalling further easing of trade tensions with the United States. This lift, effective from Sunday until 27 November 2026, covers ‘dual-use’ items linked to gallium, germanium, antimony and super-hard materials, according to the US Ministry of Commerce.
The export ban, first imposed in December 2024, had targeted materials essential to the semiconductor, defence and renewable energy sectors. Beijing did not provide additional details on the decision.
The announcement follows a high-level meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in South Korea on 30 October. Both leaders agreed to scale back tariffs and other trade restrictions for a year in an effort to stabilise relations after years of escalating trade conflict.
During the trade war, duties between the two nations surged to triple-digit levels, disrupting global supply chains and weighing on technology industries. According to a report by The Economic Times, China’s dominance in the supply of critical minerals has been a strategic lever in negotiations, given its near-monopoly on certain materials vital for modern technology.
China accounts for roughly 94% of global gallium production, used in integrated circuits, LEDs and solar panels. It also produces around 83% of germanium, vital for fibre optics and infrared systems. Antimony, another metal included in the suspension, is used in batteries and military applications such as armour and ammunition.
In the same statement, Beijing also announced the easing of export restrictions on graphite-related products, which had previously fallen under the dual-use controls.
The suspension adds to a series of conciliatory steps taken since the Xi–Trump meeting. Last week, China extended reduced tariffs on US goods and lifted additional duties on American soybeans and other farm products, signalling a broader thaw in bilateral trade relations.
