Analysts say it will take time to assess impact of new Chinese curbs on US industries
As a trade battle between the two largest economies in the world intensifies, analysts warn that China’s retaliatory export restrictions may have a negative impact on the United States’ expanding the industries of clean energy and defence.
Targeting materials used in everything from solar cells to semiconductors, Beijing declared this week that it would prohibit the export of gallium, germanium and antimony to the US.
China also tightened curbs on graphite, a key component for the electric vehicle industry.
The moves, which Beijing said were to safeguard national security, swiftly followed Washington’s own restrictions to hobble China’s ability to make advanced computer chips.
While trade tensions have been simmering, US President-elect Donald Trump’s arrival at the White House in January is likely to ratchet up the temperature on trade — with the Republican already vowing sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports.
Analysts say it would take time to assess the impact of the new Chinese curbs on US industries, though any immediate hit should be limited.
Some see Beijing’s moves as symbolic for now, even as ramifications depend on how China enforces the new rules.
“This certainly could drive up costs,” said Arun Seraphin of the National Defence Industrial Association. “It could create situations where you can’t produce what you need.”
“It’s certainly going to drive a lot of uncertainty for companies who want to plan out their supply chain,” he told AFP.
China is a major producer of the three metals in question.
In August, it unveiled export controls on some antimony products and since then, shipments have plunged.
Restrictions announced in 2023 on gallium and germanium also hit exports to the United States.
