China’s customs authority released the second batch of April export data on Tuesday, revealing a sharp decline in germanium shipments. Exports fell 93% month-on-month to just 98 kilograms, a drop not seen since the summer of 2023 when Beijing first imposed export controls on both germanium and gallium. In the aftermath, exports of germanium temporarily halted for approximately three months as companies adjusted to the new licensing requirements. Germany was the primary destination for Chinese germanium in April, accounting for over 80% of total shipments.
Chinese germanium exports
Gallium exports, in contrast, showed signs of recovery. After dipping to just 300 kilograms in March, shipments rebounded to 4,777 kilograms in April. While this marks a significant month-on-month increase, volumes remain down about 8% year-on-year. Japan was the leading destination, importing 3,000 kilograms, or roughly 62% of the total.
Chinese gallium exports
China remains the world’s dominant producer of both germanium and gallium, which are critical ingredients in high-tech industries including semiconductors, photovoltaics, fiber optics, and defense systems. Export controls introduced in mid-2023 significantly disrupted global supply chains. Tensions escalated further in December 2024, when the Chinese government officially banned exports to the United States, intensifying the ongoing trade conflict. Earlier this month, Beijing vowed to crack down on the smuggling of export-controlled goods (we reported)
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