Skip to main content
China Trade PolicyActive Restrictions

China Export Controls 2026: Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Antimony & Rare Earths

Since August 2023, China has imposed sequential export licensing requirements on its most strategically important mineral exports. As of 2026, six major material categories require Chinese Commerce Ministry approval before export — with no guarantee of approval. For US importers of electronics, EVs, solar, and defense goods, this is a supply chain restructuring event.

Updated June 2026·10 min read

These are export controls, not tariffs — they restrict supply, not just price

Unlike Section 301 tariffs, which make Chinese goods more expensive, China's export controls can make them unavailable entirely. A license denied means no shipment — regardless of what you're willing to pay. Map your critical mineral exposure now.

Active Chinese Export Controls — By Mineral

Gallium2805.19, 2825.90
Effective
Aug 1, 2023

Status

Active — all exports require Commerce Ministry license

Key Uses

Semiconductors, LEDs, solar cells, 5G components, radar

Supply Impact

Critical for compound semiconductors (GaN, GaAs). China controls ~80% of global refined supply.

Alternative Sources

Japan, South Korea (small volumes); Canada, Germany (emerging); recycling programs in US/EU

Germanium2804.80, 2825.60
Effective
Aug 1, 2023

Status

Active — all exports require license; compounds added 2025

Key Uses

Fiber optics, infrared sensors, solar cells, night-vision, satellites

Supply Impact

China supplies ~60% of global germanium. Germanium dioxide and other compounds also restricted.

Alternative Sources

Russia (geopolitical risk), Canada, Belgium; US domestic production very limited

Graphite2504.10, 2504.90, 3801.10
Effective
Dec 1, 2023

Status

Active — natural and synthetic graphite require export permit

Key Uses

EV battery anodes (critical), fuel cells, lubricants, steel production

Supply Impact

China produces ~65% of natural graphite and ~90% of processed anode material. Core EV battery input.

Alternative Sources

Mozambique, Madagascar (natural); Japan, South Korea (synthetic anode); US startups (early stage)

Antimony2615.90, 2806.10, 2825.80
Effective
Sep 15, 2024

Status

Active — export license required for antimony and compounds

Key Uses

Flame retardants, lead-acid batteries, ammunition, solar cells, night-vision glass

Supply Impact

China controls ~48% of global antimony supply. Defense applications directly affected.

Alternative Sources

Tajikistan, Russia, Australia; Turkey has minor production; supply is tight globally

Rare Earths2805.30, 2846.xx, 8505.11
Effective
2025 (expanded)

Status

Active — mining and processing tech export controls added; magnet alloys under review

Key Uses

Neodymium magnets (EV motors, wind turbines), catalysts, phosphors, defense systems

Supply Impact

China controls ~85% of rare earth processing. Neodymium/dysprosium critical for every EV and wind turbine.

Alternative Sources

Australia (Mountain Pass mine in US), Vietnam rare earths (early stage), recycling programs

Drone components8802.xx, 8526.xx
Effective
2025

Status

Active — drone motors, controllers, lidar subject to dual-use controls

Key Uses

Commercial drones, inspection, agriculture, delivery logistics

Supply Impact

DJI and other Chinese drone makers face restrictions; components for non-Chinese assembly also affected.

Alternative Sources

US, EU, South Korea manufacturers; higher cost and lead time

Sector Risk Assessment

SectorMinerals exposedRiskDetail
Electric Vehicles & BatteriesGraphite, rare earths, lithium (indirect)HighEvery EV sold in the US requires graphite anodes and rare earth magnets. China's graphite controls directly squeeze US EV battery production.
SemiconductorsGallium, germaniumHighGaN and GaAs chips used in 5G, radar, and power electronics depend on gallium and germanium. US fab capacity for these is limited.
Defense & AerospaceAntimony, rare earths, germaniumCriticalAntimony in armor-piercing rounds, rare earths in missile guidance, germanium in night-vision. DoD supply chain actively at risk.
Solar EnergyGallium, germanium, graphiteMedium-HighHigh-efficiency solar panels (CIGS, CdTe types) use gallium and germanium. Graphite used in solar cell contacts.
Consumer ElectronicsGallium, rare earthsMediumSmartphones, laptops, and headphones use rare earth magnets and gallium-based components. Premium brands most exposed.
Apparel / FootwearNone directLowNot directly affected. Tariff dynamics (Section 301, Section 122) matter more than export controls for this sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

Calculate Landed Cost From Alternative Origins

If you're shifting sourcing from China to Japan, Canada, or Australia for critical minerals, your tariff stack changes completely. Run the numbers before you switch suppliers.

Zentria Brain