China Lifts Export Ban on Key Materials to the United States

China has announced a temporary suspension of its ban on the export of certain dual-use materials, specifically gallium, germanium, and antimony, to the United States. This decision, communicated by the Ministry of Commerce, takes effect immediately and will remain in place until 27 November 2026.

In its statement, the ministry did not elaborate on the reasons behind this decision. However, the initial ban on these materials was imposed in December 2024 as part of China's broader strategy to regulate exports of critical resources.

The recent suspension is part of a wider move by the Chinese government to ease previously imposed export controls. On 9 October 2025, China expanded restrictions on various rare earth elements and materials used in lithium batteries, which are essential for numerous technological applications, including electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.

The decision to lift the ban comes in the context of changing trade relations between China and the United States. In a notable development, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump had previously reached an agreement to reduce tariffs and pause certain trade measures for a year. This agreement aimed to mitigate escalating trade tensions between the two economic giants.

As the global demand for advanced materials such as gallium and germanium continues to rise, the suspension of the ban could have significant implications for industries reliant on these resources. Gallium and germanium are critical in the manufacturing of semiconductors and other high-tech components, making them vital for various sectors, including telecommunications and electronics.

The Ministry of Commerce's announcement indicates a potential shift towards more cooperative trade practices between China and the US, although the long-term impact of these changes remains to be seen. Analysts will be closely monitoring any further developments in trade policies between the two nations, particularly as global supply chains continue to evolve in the wake of economic challenges and technological advancements.