China imposes export controls on 2 metals used in semiconductors and solar panels

https://www.npr.org/2023/07/04/ [login to see] /china-imposes-export-controls-on-two-metals-used-in-semiconductors-and-solar-pan
The Chinese government has announced buyers of two metals used in computer chips and solar panels will need to apply for export permits, starting on Aug. 1. The metals, gallium and germanium, are also used in military applications.

The U.S. has been imposing trade limits for several years to try to restrict China's access to semiconductor technology. In a statement, China's Commerce Ministry said the new controls on exporting the metals are to safeguard China's national interests.

"These controls aren't a ban," notes NPR's Emily Feng, reporting from Taipei. "But it's possible China could reduce the amount it sells as retribution."

That's a scenario the U.S. and allied countries have long been worried about — not just for these two fairly obscure metals, but f0r the many minerals produced and processed in China in large quantities.