Chinese exports of the minor metals gallium and germanium fell sharply in March, hitting historic lows, according to newly released customs data. Only 300 kilograms of gallium were shipped during the month—all bound for Germany—while 1,497 kilograms of germanium were exported, with two-thirds destined for Russia. Belgium received most of the remaining volume, with only minor shipments going to other countries.
Compared to March 2024, when China exported 1,214 kilograms of gallium and 3,206 kilograms of germanium, the latest figures represent a drop of over 75% for gallium and more than 50% for germanium.
Chinese gallium exports have fallen sharply
Chinese germanium exports are down year-on-year
China is the world’s leading producer of both metals, which are essential to a range of high-tech applications, from semiconductors and photovoltaics to fiber optics and defense systems. In the summer of 2023, Beijing imposed export controls on these strategic materials. In December 2024, the Chinese government banned exports to the United States, escalating an ongoing trade conflict.
Photo: iStock/Vera Tikhonova