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China’s gallium export volume for December hit highest level since July, customs data shows
- Beijing’s decision to resume global shipments after months-long halt triggered a leap in sales of the mineral key to manufacturing semiconductors
- China realised cutting off supplies of gallium and germanium would be ‘costly to itself as well as to the US and other countries’, expert says
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Khushboo Razdanin Washington
China’s decision in December to resume the export of large amounts of a mineral vital to manufacturing cutting-edge technology like semiconductors led to a leap in sales after virtually choking off global shipments for months.
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Latest customs data showed China shipped 7.3 metric tonnes of gallium in December – close to its 2022 average of 7.9 metric tonnes per month.
After almost no exports were recorded in August and September, a small amount of gallium was allowed to leave the country in October and November – 0.25 and 1.53 metric tonnes respectively.
Beijing cited national security concerns in requiring Chinese exporters of gallium and germanium from August to obtain licenses from the government and share information on their overseas clients and the commodity’s intended use.
China restricts critical metal exports following Western semiconductor curbs in latest trade war
Both metals and their chemical compounds are used to make advanced chips, telecommunications equipment and electric vehicles.
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China is the world’s largest producer of the two elements, accounting for more than 95 per cent of global gallium output and 67 per cent of germanium.
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