Chinese customs on Friday published detailed trade data for January and February, revealing a significant shift in the supply of the technology metals gallium and germanium. Japan has effectively been cut off from both metals following Beijing’s tightening of controls on dual-use goods to the neighboring island nation. Although China stated that restrictions would target military end users only, the practical effect, a full export halt to Japan, now threatens to impact the country’s entire high-tech industry. In 2025, Japan was the leading destination for Chinese gallium exports and among the top destinations for germanium. Both metals are used in semiconductors and other advanced electronics manufacturing, for example.
Chinese gallium exports
Data on actual shipments shows Germany as the sole recipient of gallium in both January and February, receiving 6,000 kg and 5,000 kg, respectively. Germanium exports experienced a sharp decline in January, totaling just 93 kilograms, a drop of roughly 95% compared to the same month last year. Shipments were sent to Kazakhstan, South Korea, Türkiye, and Taiwan. In February, exports rebounded to 736 kilograms, with Russia receiving the bulk at 600 kilograms, followed by smaller shipments to Thailand, South Korea, and Italy.
Chinese germanium exports
China introduced export controls for gallium and germanium in 2023 due to their potential military applications. Since then, monthly trade volumes have fluctuated significantly, with shipments increasingly dependent on licensing approvals and political relations with importing countries.
Photo: CreativeNature_nl via Canva
