The Handelsblatt reported on 25 September 2025 about the worrying bottlenecks on the germanium market as a result of Chinese export restrictions. TRADIUM expert Dr Christian Hell describes how the situation has changed from initial hope for relief to "sheer horror" in the industry. He explains why companies are now prepared to pay almost any price for the material.
In an accompanying podcast episode of the "Handelsblatt Today" format, commodities expert Hell expands on his assessments: China no longer exports germanium to the USA and hardly any to the EU. The price has risen by more than 60 per cent since the end of 2024. He also explains the consequences of dependence on China for the semiconductor and defence industries and discusses the prospects that recycling and alternative procurement channels could offer. The article on germanium starts at the 13th minute.
