China Tightens Export Controls on Critical Minerals Amid Escalating Global Tensions

BEIJING, CHINA - China plans to expand its export restrictions on critical minerals, including battery components and technologies used for processing metals like lithium and gallium, amid growing concerns over Beijing's dominance in the global supply chain.

The move comes as tensions between China and the US have escalated, with both countries slapping new curbs on each other's technology exports. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced plans to include prepitation of battery cathode material, processes for extracting metallic gallium, and lithium extraction technologies on its list of export-controlled items, in line with a call for public opinion by Thursday.

According to the notice posted on Xinhua News Agency, citizens can provide feedback on these proposals until February 1. The move marks one of several export bans targeting critical minerals and technology used to process them, which China already controls nearly 85% of globally.

If implemented, Beijing's new regulations would be yet another shot fired in the ongoing trade standoff between China and Washington. In November, Beijing banned exports of key materials such as gallium, germanium, antimony, and superhard materials to America, prompting Washington to respond with its own bans on certain Chinese technologies.

China holds a substantial grip on global battery cell production capacity with nearly 85% market share. This makes the proposed technology export restrictions another major blow to America's plans to compete with Beijing in this strategic market.

Critically, these exported metals and metals processing technologies are pivotal in manufacturing semiconductors, night vision optics and satellite components. As global tensions rise, China’s expansion of export controls on critical minerals signifies growing efforts by authorities to strengthen the management of technology imports and exports.