China exported significantly less gallium in October compared to September. According to data from the customs authority, exports plummeted from 6,070 kilograms to just 600 kilograms. The only recipient countries were Thailand and Slovakia. The decline in germanium was less pronounced, dropping by 352 kilograms to 1,779 kilograms. The largest portion of the technology metal was shipped to Belgium. Since summer 2023, export restrictions have been in place for both raw materials, with companies now requiring licenses for exports. Shortly after the new regulations were enacted, exports initially halted completely before gradually resuming from last October onwards.
Chinese gallium exports since September 2023
Chinese germanium exports since September 2023
Photo: sanches812 via Canva