China's Commerce Ministry has announced that it will impose export restrictions on antimony, a mineral widely used in various products ranging from batteries to weapons. The new export controls are set to take effect on September 15, with the aim of safeguarding China's security and interests while fulfilling its international non-proliferation obligations.
Exporters of antimony will now be required to obtain a license in order to export the mineral in different forms. The extent of the export restrictions has not been clearly defined, but the language used, particularly the reference to 'non-proliferation,' suggests that it may include applications related to weapons.
The Commerce Ministry's statement emphasized that exports meeting the necessary regulations will be allowed. However, the government expressed its opposition to any country using Chinese items in ways that could undermine China's national sovereignty, security, and development interests, without specifying what those activities might entail.
In addition to antimony, the export controls will also encompass smelting and separation technology, machinery, and other items associated with what was described as super-hard materials. Last year, China implemented export restrictions on gallium and germanium, metals crucial for computer chips and solar cells, citing national security concerns.
China's move comes amid ongoing tensions with the United States over access to advanced technology. The U.S. has previously limited China's access to advanced semiconductors and other technologies on security grounds.
As a significant producer of antimony, China's export restrictions raise concerns about potential supply chain disruptions. Antimony is utilized in various applications, including flame retardants, batteries, night-vision goggles, and nuclear weapon production, as highlighted in a 2021 report by the U.S. International Trade Commission.
