Exports of both technology metals declined compared to August. Both have been subject to Chinese export controls for more than two years.
China’s exports of the technology metals gallium and germanium fell significantly in September, according to the latest data from the country’s customs administration.
A total of 5,000 kilograms of gallium were shipped abroad, about 30 percent less than in August. This follows a drop of more than 20 percent in July. Germany was the sole destination for gallium exports in September.
Chinesegallium exports over the last months
Exports of germanium declined even more sharply, falling 55 percent to 523 kilograms. The majority went to Russia (362 kilograms), followed by Germany (160 kilograms) and France (1 kilogram). Russia and Germany had already been the main destinations in August.
Chinese germanium exports over the last months
On an annual basis, shipments of both key high-tech raw materials have decreased. Only relatively small quantities now leave the country since China, the world’s leading producer, introduced strict export licensing requirements for gallium and germanium in mid-2023. In December 2024, China went a step further, imposing an explicit export ban to the United States, a move that continues to affect global supply chains.
Photo: iStock/takenobu
