China’s New Holy Grail: What They’re Keeping Hidden from the United States

The Rising Global Interest in Antimony

In recent years, interest in antimony has surged alongside its price, prompting China, the primary producer, to implement a series of export restrictions that will take effect on September 15.

Antimony is a crucial material valued for its diverse applications, which range from battery production to night vision glasses, flame retardants, and even nuclear weapons.
According to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), in 2023, China accounted for an impressive 48% of global mining production.

China Strengthens Export Measures

Bloomberg reported that the Chinese Ministry of Commerce has announced these measures as a means of securing national interests and complying with nuclear non-proliferation commitments.
The new restrictions will cover six categories of antimony-related products, including the raw mineral, antimony metals, and antimony oxide.

In addition to these categories, any unauthorized export of technologies for the refining and separation of gold and antimony will also be prohibited.
Entities wishing to export these products must apply for a dual-use goods and technology license, which covers civilian and military applications.

The Ministry highlighted China’s opposition to any nation using Chinese materials to engage in activities that undermine its sovereignty, security, and development interests.

These recent restrictions complement several measures instituted since last year aimed at tightening control over global supplies of “critical minerals,” such as the prohibition on exporting rare earth magnet production technologies.
China has also intensified controls over graphite, gallium, and germanium exports.

Western Governments on High Alert

Many Western governments, including the United States, have sounded alarms regarding China’s dominance in these materials and are ramping up efforts to seek alternative supply sources.

The restrictions imposed by Beijing on critical minerals are perceived as a retaliatory move against the Biden administration, as its actions to prevent China from surpassing the U.S.
in artificial intelligence and chip manufacturing have become increasingly aggressive.

As reported by Bloomberg, the U.S.
government is considering unilateral restrictions starting next month on China’s access to AI memory chips and the equipment required to produce them.