China halts export ban to US of some materials used in chips

• China suspended its export restrictions on gallium, antimony, and germanium metals to the US, which are crucial for the semiconductor industry and advanced technology.
• The suspension, effective until November 27, 2026, follows a recent meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in South Korea.

China has suspended the export restrictions it placed on the metals gallium, antimony, and germanium to the United States.

These elements are essential for modern technology, including the semiconductor industry, Beijing's Ministry of Commerce announced Sunday.

The restrictions had previously prohibited the export of "dual-use" products, which are those with both military and civilian applications.

Export Ban Lifted Until 2026

The ban, which was originally imposed in December 2024, will now be suspended until Nov. 27, 2026, according to the ministry's statement.

The announcement comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping met with his US counterpart, President Donald Trump, on Oct. 30 in South Korea.

During their meeting, the two leaders reportedly agreed to roll back some of the punitive measures they had taken during the escalation of the tariff-related trade war.

Context of Trade War and Pressure

At one point during the trade conflict, tariffs imposed by both sides surpassed 100 percent, severely hampering trade between the world's two largest economies and causing global supply chain disruptions.

Throughout the trade war, China sought to exploit its control over essential minerals used in various industries, from smartphones to sophisticated military technology, as leverage against the US