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China’s gallium dominance threatened by dwindling supplies of critical chip-making metal, experts say
- Chinese researchers say Beijing’s export curbs on semiconductor-related minerals could protect limited resources and national security
- While China is largest gallium producer, it relies on Japan and the US for high-end products, according to geologists
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China produces more than 95 per cent of the world’s raw gallium – a critical mineral for making semiconductors – but the situation may not last because of the rapid depletion of natural resources, Chinese experts have warned.
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They added that Beijing’s decision to impose export controls on gallium and germanium, another crucial mineral, could protect China’s limited resources and safeguard national security.
Chen Fengying, a researcher with the Beijing-based think tank China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said China’s export restrictions could be considered a reciprocal measure.
Beijing’s new rules came just after the Netherlands announced export controls on advanced chip manufacturing equipment on Friday, following Washington’s lead to curb China’s chip-making capabilities.
Chen said the protection of finite resources through export controls was a way of protecting national security and interests, the state-owned Global Times reported on Tuesday.
Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Tuesday that it was common international practice to impose export restrictions and that China’s latest rules did not target any particular country.
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