Exports of technology metals fell significantly compared to the previous month. The supply situation is particularly challenging for germanium. Both metals have been subject to Chinese export restrictions for over two years.
China exported less gallium and germanium in September. As new data from the Chinese customs administration shows, 5,000 kilograms of gallium were exported last month - almost 30 per cent less than in August. The material went exclusively to Germany, further reducing the number of recipient countries.
Jan Giese, Senior Manager Minor Metals & Rare Earths: "Gallium exports in September were down on the previous month. Supply is currently limited, but not completely suspended. Only a few recipient countries have received material in recent months. In September it went to Germany, in August exports were split between Canada and Japan. This clearly shows that China controls who receives material and is uncompromising in enforcing its export restrictions. Exports for military applications are out of the question under these conditions."
Germanium exports halved
The situation for germanium is even more critical. Exports fell by 55 per cent in September compared to the previous month. As a result, only 523 kilograms left the country. Russia received the lion's share of this at 362 kilograms, followed by Germany. The two countries had already been the main recipients in August.
Dr Christian Hell, Senior Manager Germanium & Minor Metals: "The downward trend in germanium is continuing. The majority currently ends up in Russia, with only minimal quantities reaching Western countries such as Germany. The problem is that germanium is used in key applications such as thermal imaging technology, where it is not possible to clearly distinguish between civilian and military applications. This is precisely why China is demanding detailed proof of the end product. There are alternatives, but these require a complete redesign of the products, such as additional cooling, more installation space or greater impact resistance. This cannot be realised in the short term."
Exports no longer reach the level before the introduction of export licences
Exports of the two raw materials, which are important for technologies such as semiconductor technology, glass fibre production and optical technologies, also showed a significant decline over the year. Exports have generally declined since China, the main producer, introduced an export licence system in the summer of 2023 due to the potential use of the metals in military technology. Exporters now have to submit extensive additional documents, which officially take 45 working days to process but often take much longer in practice. In December 2024, Beijing went one better and banned the export of gallium, germanium and other critical materials to the US, putting additional strain on global supply chains.
