China Retaliates Against US Chip Sanctions with Gallium Export Ban
In a significant escalation of the tech trade war, China has imposed a ban on the export of gallium and other critical high-tech materials. The Chinese Commerce Ministry announced this countermeasure following the United States’ recent expansion of export controls targeting Chinese companies. These restrictions affect the supply of chip-making equipment, specialized software, and high-bandwidth memory chips crucial to advanced semiconductor production.
Gallium, a rare and vital element in producing semiconductors, LEDs, and other high-tech products, is predominantly sourced from China, which controls a significant portion of its global supply. The move is expected to disrupt international supply chains, especially for countries reliant on Chinese exports for their tech industries.
Beijing has framed the ban as a necessary step to protect its “national security and strategic interests.” Analysts see it as a direct response to Washington’s tightening grip on technology transfers aimed at curbing China’s advancements in artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
This tit-for-tat escalation underscores the growing tensions between the world’s two largest economies, with far-reaching implications for global tech markets and innovation. Experts warn that prolonged restrictions could lead to significant delays in chip production and increased costs for manufacturers worldwide.
The US has yet to respond officially to China’s latest measures, but the move sets the stage for further confrontations in the race for technological supremacy.