China Restricts Exports of Two Metals Used in High-Performance Chips

[mahatmakanejeeves]

TECH

China Restricts Exports of Two Metals Used in High-Performance Chips

Industry executives see export ban on gallium and germanium as retaliation over chip curbs by U.S. and others

By Sha Hua
https://twitter.com/shashamimi
[e-mail]
Updated July 3, 2023 12:45 pm ET

SINGAPORE—China said it is restricting exports of products and materials containing gallium and germanium, metals that are vital in semiconductors, 5G base stations and solar panels, a move that industry executives see as retaliation for restrictions by the U.S. and others on sales of high-end chips and chip-making equipment to China.

{paywall}

[RainCaster]

1. This is an economic battle that won't be good for either side

But China will get the worst of it. Those metals can be found elsewhere, but the technology limits the US has imposed will make life very difficult for China.

[Warpy]

2. Both exist dissolved in sea water

I suppose the refining process is expensive. Perhaps Iceland might consider it, their abundant geothermal energy is already turning bauxite ore into aluminum.