China assured this Thursday that its restrictions on exports of two rare metals, essential for semiconductors and of which it is the main producer, do not target “any country” despite strong tensions with the United States in the technological field.
On Monday, Beijing announced restrictions starting next month on exports of gallium and germanium, two metals considered critical raw materials by the European Union.
The move, unveiled ahead of US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s arrival in Beijing on Thursday, is widely seen as retaliation for decisions made by the Biden administration against China’s technology sector.
“Export control is not an export ban”
Shu Jueting clarified that the United States and the European Union had been informed in advance of these measures.
Starting August 1, Chinese gallium and germanium exporters will be required to provide information on the final recipient of their products, as well as the purpose of their use, according to a Commerce Ministry directive.
China accounts for 94% of global gallium production, present in particular in integrated circuits, LEDs and photovoltaic panels, according to a European Union report published this year.
As for germanium, essential for optical fibers and infrared, 90% of the production of this element also comes from China, according to the same document.
China, which is seeking to become self-sufficient in semiconductor design, believes Washington’s restrictions are aimed at maintaining US supremacy in this area.
Washington has tightened restrictions on the export of semiconductors destined for China in recent weeks and has pressured its allies to do the same.
Source: BFM TV
