I. Summary of timeline
China has implemented a series of export control measures on key minerals and rare earth elements in recent years. The timelines for multiple export bans are summarized as follows:
2023
• August 1: The licensing system was implemented for the export of gallium and germanium, and exporters are required to apply for a license.
• October 1: The Regulations on the Administration of Rare Earth formally took effect, which was the first time that China had comprehensively standardized the management of rare earth resources, strengthening the control of the whole industrial chain.
• December 21: The announcement of a ban on the export of rare earth extraction and separation technologies.
2024
• September 15: The export restriction was implemented against antimony and related products, and exporters will to apply for a special license.
• December 3: The ban on exports of gallium, germanium, antimony and superhard materials to America.
• December 12: Implementing export licensing requirements for high-purity graphite products (especially those that are key material for electric vehicle batteries).
II. Main use of the relevant minerals and key statistics of China
Rare earth elements
• Main application: The rare earth is widely used for national defense systems (such as missile, radar and laser), electric vehicles, wind generators and high-performance magnets.
• China’s marketshare on rare earth production is about 70% of the world.
Gallium
• Main application: It's used for semiconductors, LEDs and solar panels.
• China produces about 98% of the world's refined gallium.
Germanium
• Main application: It's used for optical fibers, infrared optics and solar panels.
• China produces more than 59% of the world's germanium.
Antimony
• Main application: It's used for flame retardants, ammunition and industrial applications.
• About 50% of the world's antimony mine yield comes from China. Other major suppliers (such as Russia, Tajikistan and Myanmar) have limited production capacity and sources of supply are relatively scarce.
Graphite
• Main application: It's used for the lithium ion battery of electric vehicle (EV).
• China dominates the global production of graphite. According to USGS data, China's graphite yield accounted for 76.87% of the world's total output in 2023. Furthermore, China also has about 78 million tons of graphite reserves, ranking among the top in the world.
III. Potential global influence and possible actions from regions that may be impacted
Potential global influence
• Material cost increase.
• Manufacturing process interruption.
• Deceleration of technological innovation.
Possible actions from countries/regions that may be impacted
• Increase of production within the country/region
• More cooperation among allies on relevant matter
• Strengthen recycling and innovation
• Enriching strategic reserves
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