US–China trade ties: Beijing halts export ban on ‘dual-use’ materials; gallium, germanium, antimony set to flow again
China has stepped back from one of its toughest trade measures against the United States, pausing a ban that restricted exports of gallium, germanium, antimony and other products linked to high-tech manufacturing. The commerce ministry said on Sunday that the suspension applies to “dual-use” items, goods that can be used for both civilian and military purposes and takes effect immediately.The export controls were originally introduced in December 2024. The pause will remain in place until November 27, 2026, according to the ministry’s statement cited by Reuters.
The announcement follows a recent meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump on 30 October in South Korea. During the talks, the two leaders agreed to soften parts of their tariff dispute and unwind several penalties imposed on each other over the past year of escalating trade measures.Throughout the tariff stand-off, both countries repeatedly raised import duties, at one point reaching triple-digit levels. The dispute disrupted global supply chains and slowed movement of goods between the world’s two largest economies.China has held a significant influence over the supply of these metals, which are essential for modern technology used in semiconductors, smartphones and advanced military systems. By restricting shipments, Beijing had sought to exploit its dominant position in the critical minerals market.Alongside the freeze on the gallium, germanium and antimony curbs, the ministry confirmed that it has also suspended tighter checks on end-users and end-use purposes for dual-use graphite exports to the United States. These checks were introduced at the same time as the metal restrictions.The move forms part of a broader rollback. On Friday, China announced it would also pause export controls imposed on October 9, which included widened restrictions on certain rare earth elements and lithium battery materials.Xi and Trump earlier agreed that, for the next year, both sides would scale back tariffs and hold off on further trade actions, a step aimed at preventing fresh escalation while negotiations continue.
