China has officially suspended its ban on approving exports of gallium, germanium, and antimony to the United States, according to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce. The suspension, which took effect Sunday, will remain in place until November 27, 2026, temporarily easing tensions over critical mineral trade between the two global powers.
The export restrictions, originally imposed in December 2024, were part of a broader response to U.S. technology sanctions. These minerals are considered dual-use items, vital for applications in semiconductors, electric vehicles, and defense systems.
The move follows recent diplomatic talks between President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump, where both leaders agreed to pause tariffs and trade measures for one year, signaling a tentative thaw in trade relations.
“This suspension reopens a vital supply chain for U.S. industries,” said Ed Liston of Stock Market Watch. “It’s a strategic recalibration rather than a full reversal.”
China also announced the suspension of other export controls imposed on rare earth materials and lithium battery components, further indicating a shift in its trade posture.
