China’s Commerce Ministry announced that they will restrict exports of the mineral antimony starting from September 15. The restrictions are being put in place to safeguard China’s security and interests, as well as to fulfill its international non-proliferation obligations. Exporters will need to apply for a license to export antimony in various forms. It is not clear to what extent exports will be blocked, but the wording of the announcement suggests that it could include weapons-related uses. The ministry stated that exports that comply with regulations will be allowed, but the government opposes any country using items from China in ways that undermine China’s national sovereignty, security, and development interests. The specific activities that the government is concerned about were not mentioned in the announcement.
In addition to restricting the export of antimony, the controls will also cover smelting and separation technology, machinery, and other items related to what the notice referred to as super-hard materials. Last year, China imposed export curbs on gallium and germanium, two metals used in computer chips and solar cells, citing the need to “safeguard national security.” The U.S. has also restricted China’s access to advanced semiconductors and other technology on security grounds, leading to concerns about dependence on China as a source for critical minerals. Antimony has various uses, including in flame retardants, batteries, night-vision goggles, and nuclear weapon production, according to a report from the U.S. International Trade Commission.
The United States has expressed concerns about its reliance on China as a major producer of antimony, especially given the mineral’s importance in a wide range of products. The restrictions on antimony exports are likely to impact industries that rely on the mineral for their products, including the production of batteries, weapons, and other high-tech equipment. China’s move to restrict exports of antimony is seen as part of a broader effort to protect its national security interests and reduce dependence on foreign sources for key minerals and technologies. The U.S. has also taken steps to reduce its reliance on Chinese exports, particularly in strategic sectors like semiconductors, amid heightened tensions between the two countries on issues ranging from trade to national security.
The announcement of export restrictions on antimony is likely to have significant implications for global supply chains and industries that rely on the mineral for various applications. Companies that depend on antimony for their products may need to find alternative sources or adapt their production processes to mitigate the impact of the restrictions. The move by China to limit exports of antimony also underscores the growing competition between major economies for access to critical minerals and advanced technologies. As countries seek to secure their supply chains and reduce vulnerabilities to disruptions, the issue of resource security is becoming increasingly important in international trade and economic relations.
Overall, the restrictions on antimony exports announced by China reflect the country’s efforts to protect its national security interests and reduce dependence on foreign sources for critical minerals. The move is part of a broader trend of countries taking steps to secure their supply chains and safeguard key industries from external risks. The impact of the restrictions on antimony exports will be felt across industries that rely on the mineral for various applications, highlighting the interconnectedness of global supply chains and the challenges of managing resource security in a complex and competitive international environment.
