China imposes export controls on critical minerals crucial for U.S. defence industry
- In Reports
- 02:48 PM, Sep 18, 2024
- Myind Staff
China has imposed new export controls on antimony, a critical mineral used in U.S. defence technologies, raising concerns about supply shortages and potential price hikes. The restrictions, which took effect on Sunday, apply to six antimony-related products, including antimony ore, metals, and oxide. Antimony is an essential component in the production of ammunition, infrared missiles, nuclear weapons, and night vision goggles, among other defence applications.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the United States consumed approximately 22,000 tons of antimony last year, with 63% of its imports coming from China. Belgium, the next largest supplier, accounted for only 8% of U.S. imports. China is the world’s leading producer of antimony, contributing nearly half of the global supply in 2022.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce justified the restrictions, stating that they are intended "to safeguard national security and interests, and fulfil international obligations such as non-proliferation." The U.S. has been working to reduce its dependency on China for critical materials, but China remains the primary source for 25 essential minerals, including tungsten, germanium, magnesium, and most rare earth elements.
This move is part of a broader series of export controls introduced by China over the past year. In December, the country banned the export of technology used to produce rare earth magnets, following earlier restrictions on exporting technology for extracting critical materials. Last year, China also imposed export controls on gallium, germanium, and graphite in response to U.S. sanctions on semiconductor exports.
Rob Greenway, a former National Security Council official, pointed out the strategic shift, "In the first Cold War against the Soviet Union, we were aligned against the Soviet Union with not importing national security-sensitive things. We were a net exporter across the board. Since we've become a net importer across the board, we have massive vulnerabilities, and our regulatory structures have not in any way kept pace with that."
The latest export controls on antimony could have significant implications for the U.S. defence sector, prompting renewed efforts to find alternative sources or boost domestic production of the vital mineral. The ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China continue to escalate, with critical minerals becoming a central focus in this global rivalry.
Image source: CNBCTV18
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