China has halted exports of key minerals to the US amid escalating trade tensions.

China on Tuesday banned exports of key minerals — gallium, germanium and antimony — to the United States, escalating trade tensions between the two countries. Reuters Reported

The move follows Washington’s latest crackdown on China’s semiconductor sector. The new restrictions particularly affect the US market, building on previous export controls that China has gradually introduced since last year.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce directive cites national security concerns regarding dual-use items, which have both military and civilian applications.

The order, which took immediate effect, also mandates a strict review process for graphite exports to the United States.

“In principle, the US will not be allowed to export gallium, germanium, antimony, and superhard materials,” the ministry said.

Gallium and germanium are important in semiconductor manufacturing, while germanium also plays a key role in infrared technology, fiber optic cables and solar cells.

Antimony, which is used in weapons such as bullets and in military applications such as infrared missiles and night vision goggles, has also been restricted.

Graphite, the main material used in electric vehicle batteries, is now subject to more stringent controls for US shipments.

The move raises fears that China may impose similar restrictions on other minerals, such as nickel and cobalt, which have widespread industrial use.

Todd Mullan of Talon Metals, a nickel mine developer in Minnesota, cautioned that China has long signaled a willingness to take such steps and questioned when the U.S. would respond to these challenges.

The US government is reviewing the new sanctions and is expected to take “necessary steps” in response. White House officials have emphasized the importance of diversifying key supply chains to reduce dependence on China.

German and Chinese exports of gallium to the US had already slowed this year, with no shipments recorded during October, while exports of antimony products fell 97 percent in October.

China accounts for a significant portion of global production of these minerals, making the latest ban a major escalation in the ongoing trade dispute.

Experts predict that prices of key materials such as antimony will rise sharply. The move also highlights growing tensions between the two powers, with some US companies calling for increased domestic mineral production to reduce dependence on China.