China’s exports of the technology metals gallium and germanium rose sharply in October, according to the latest data from the country’s customs administration.
A total of 15,570 kilograms of gallium were shipped abroad, a strong rebound from September’s 5,000 kilograms and the highest monthly volume recorded since June 2022. Germany was again the leading destination with 10,000 kilograms, followed by Japan with 5,000 kilograms. Smaller quantities also went to Malaysia, South Korea, and Thailand.
Chinese gallium exports surged in October
Exports of germanium also increased significantly, reaching 1,258 kilograms, more than twice that of September’s 523 kilograms. The majority went to Russia with 930 kilograms, followed by Germany with 222 kilograms and Taiwan with 100 kilograms. Bulgaria and Belarus each received 3 kilograms.
Chinese germanium exports remain subdued
Year-to-date data show that the first ten months of 2025 for germanium exports are less than half of what was exported in the same period last year, while gallium is slightly above last year’s volume. This indicates that the export levels of the two metals are developing differently.
Since mid-2023, China, the world’s leading producer, has maintained strict export licensing requirements for gallium and germanium, limiting the volumes available on global markets. Additionally, China had imposed an explicit export ban on shipments to the United States in December 2024. While this measure was temporarily suspended in early November 2025 following negotiations between the two sides, earlier export controls remain in place and continue to influence international supply chains.
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