David Roth-Lindberg
Twitter: @rothlindberg, https://x.com/RothLindberg

Why did China just ban exports to the U.S. of Gallium, Germanium, Antimony and other key high-tech materials?

China dominates over 85% of global rare earth processing and refining capacity, and supplies over 70% of the world's naturaland synthetic graphite. But here's the really critical part: The three materials mentioned above, though not being Rare Earth Materials (REEs), are vital for the production of semi-conductors, electronics, military, and renewable energyapplications:

Gallium (Ga) – Used in semiconductors, LEDs, and solar cells, this is a critical metal, often derived as a byproduct ofaluminum and zinc refining.

Germanium (Ge): A semiconductor material used in fiber optics, infrared optics, and high-efficiency solar cells. It is derived from zinc ores and coal byproducts.

Antimony (Sb): A metalloid used in flame retardants, leadalloys, and some semiconductors, and mined as antimonysulfide ore. 

But the most severe blow is probably that several materials now banned are critical for the US military industry, as theyare integral to advanced weapons systems, defensetechnologies and other military applications.

Some rare earth elements (REEs) and critical metals like graphite, cobalt, and indium are the most critical for the USA and hardest to replace. For instance, you can find much of the raw cobalt is mined in Congo, but it is China that processesthe majority of it into usable forms. Cobolt is essential for aerospace and portable energy solutions. It is also used in superalloys for jet engine components and gas turbines, critical in rechargeable batteries for portable militaryelectronics, as well as in unmanned systems (drones).

Here are some other materials where the US depends on import from China:

Rare Earth Elements (REEs)

REEs are a group of 17 elements in the periodic table, including the 15 lanthanides (e.g., neodymium, dysprosium, terbium) plus scandium and yttrium. China is the world'slargest producer of rare earth elements, that are not onlyprimarily used in magnets, electronics, and advancedtechnologies, but also essential for high-tech applications, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and electronics.

• Dysprosium (Dy): Enhances magnet performance at hightemperatures.

• Europium (Eu): Used in fluorescent lamps and displays to produce red light.

• Terbium (Tb): A component in green phosphors and LEDs.

Critical Metals and Semimetals

• Tantalum (Ta): Crucial for electronics, especiallycapacitors and high-temperature components.

• Tungsten (W): Used in tool steel, cutting tools, and lampfilaments.

• Magnesium (Mg): Lightweight metal for aerospace, automotive, and alloys.

• Bismuth (Bi): Found in medical products, cosmetics, and as a lead substitute.

• Graphite: Both natural and synthetic graphite are vital for batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries.

So let’s take a closer look on materials imported from China, including some of the ones discussed above, are critical for the U.S. military industry. They are integral to advanced weaponssystems, defense technologies, and other military applications. Here’s a breakdown of their significance:

 

Rare Earth Elements (REEs), applications in Defense:

• Neodymium (Nd): Used in powerful permanent magnets essential for precision-guided munitions, jet engines, radar systems, and drones.

• Dysprosium (Dy): Enhances the heat resistance ofneodymium magnets used in military applications such as missile systems and aircraft.

• Terbium (Tb): Used in sensors, sonar systems, and otheradvanced electronics.

 

Cobalt (Co), applications in Defense:

• Used in superalloys for jet engine components and gas turbines, which require materials capable of withstandingextreme temperatures and stress.

• Critical in rechargeable batteries for portable militaryelectronics and unmanned systems (drones).

• Essential for aerospace and portable energy solutions. Limited processing capacity outside China and Congo creates a bottleneck.

 

Titanium (Ti), applications in Defense:

• Lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant, titanium is used in military aircraft (e.g., fighter jets), naval vessels, and armored vehicles.

• Found in advanced missile systems and spacecraft. 

• Vital for reducing weight in vehicles and aircraft withoutcompromising durability, ensuring enhanced mobilityand survivability in combat scenarios. 

 

Tungsten (W), applications in Defense:

• Used in armor-piercing ammunition, such as anti-tank rounds.

• Critical for high-density penetrators in kinetic energyprojectiles and missile warheads.

• Tungsten’s high density and heat resistance make it indispensable for munitions and certain types of militaryequipment.

 

Graphite, applications in Defense:

• Essential for thermal management in high-power militaryelectronics.

• Used in missile guidance systems and components for stealth technologies.

• As a key material in batteries and electronics, its rolegrows with the military's increasing reliance on electrified systems.

There are some strategic Concerns for the U.S. Military as supply chain vulnerability: Heavy reliance on China for refining and production of these materials could pose a significant risk in times of geopolitical tension or conflict. As weapons stockpiles have been depleted and U.S. overall military production lacks behind the demand, a steady import of rare materials is of utmost importance.

However, these materials are also critical to innovation, as they enable development of next-generation defense systems, including autonomous weapons, hypersonic missiles, and advanced communication networks. The importance of somerare materials on the experimental stage cannot be underestimated.

So without sufficient stockpiles, or diversified supply chains, shortages of these materials could hinder military readinessand modernization efforts. In fact, there could be a bottleneckeffect on th whole U.S. military industry.