- Chinese customs data on Wednesday showed germanium and gallium exports fell to zero in August.
- New export controls imposed on national security grounds will require exporters to seek permits to ship some gallium and germanium compounds starting August 1.
An undated conceptual diagram showing China’s technology aspirations.
Yaolshen | Moment | Getty Images
Germanium is used in solar products and fiber optics, and can also be used in military applications such as night vision goggles. Gallium is used to make gallium arsenide compounds, which are used to make radio frequency chips for mobile phones and satellite communications, as well as semiconductors.
Due to national security concerns, China’s Ministry of Commerce has imposed new regulations Starting August 1, exporters will be required to seek permission to ship some gallium and germanium compounds.
Applications for these export licenses must identify the importer and end user and specify how these metals will be used.
In October, the United States began sweeping restrictions aimed at cutting off exports of key chips and semiconductor tools to China. The move is believed to have the potential to crush China’s ambitions to boost its domestic technology industry.
The United States has also encouraged major semiconductor manufacturing countries and allies, such as the Netherlands and Japan, to adopt their own export controls.
