China Halts Exports of Rare Semiconductor Minerals, Escalating Tech War with U.S.

China stopped exporting two rare minerals, gallium and germanium, in August that are essential for making semiconductors. China produces about 80% of the world's gallium and 60% of germanium.
The export halt came after China imposed curbs in July citing national security reasons. The moves escalate an ongoing tech war with the U.S. over advanced chipmaking capabilities.
The export controls could hurt China's economy and drive supply chains out of the country. Prices for gallium have already fallen within China as inventories pile up.
The release of Huawei's new Mate 60 Pro smartphone with an advanced chip despite U.S. sanctions has created political pressure for more chip export curbs on China.
Additional U.S. sanctions on Chinese tech companies like Huawei and chipmaker SMIC are expected this quarter to tighten the chip ban on China.

cnn.com

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China's commerce ministry has imposed new restrictions on the export of gallium and germanium compounds due to national security concerns, potentially impacting China's technology industry ambitions.

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Posted 9/21/2023, 10:42:00 AM

China Halts Exports of Rare Semiconductor Minerals, Escalating Tech War with U.S.

China stopped exporting two rare minerals, gallium and germanium, in August that are essential for making semiconductors. China produces about 80% of the world's gallium and 60% of germanium.
The export halt came after China imposed curbs in July citing national security reasons. The moves escalate an ongoing tech war with the U.S. over advanced chipmaking capabilities.
The export controls could hurt China's economy and drive supply chains out of the country. Prices for gallium have already fallen within China as inventories pile up.
The release of Huawei's new Mate 60 Pro smartphone with an advanced chip despite U.S. sanctions has created political pressure for more chip export curbs on China.
Additional U.S. sanctions on Chinese tech companies like Huawei and chipmaker SMIC are expected this quarter to tighten the chip ban on China.

cnn.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/6/2023

China’s Share of US Imports Falls to Lowest Since 2006

9/7/2023

China’s exports tumble for fourth consecutive month, headwinds to remain

9/7/2023

China's Exports and Imports Decline in August Amid Global Economic Slowdown

China's exports and imports both declined in August, reflecting weak global demand and adding pressure to the country's slowing economy.

9/20/2023

China Halts Exports of Key Semiconductor Materials to Comply with New Security Rules

China's commerce ministry has imposed new restrictions on the export of gallium and germanium compounds due to national security concerns, potentially impacting China's technology industry ambitions.

10/13/2023

China's Chip Imports Plummet in 2023 Amid New US Export Controls

10/16/2023

Nvidia Stock Drops Over Threat of AI Chip Export Limits to China

Summary: Shares of a chip maker are dropping due to possible export restrictions on its artificial-intelligence chips to China.