On May 27, 2026, WirtschaftsWoche reported on the growing risks facing German industry as a result of China's tightened export controls on gallium and germanium. The article draws on recent market analyses and assessments provided by TRADIUM. It highlights the sharp decline in Chinese export volumes and the increasing challenges this creates for European supply chains.
In the article, Christian Hell, Senior Manager for Germanium and Minor Metals at TRADIUM, warns of potential “avalanche-like effects” throughout industrial value chains. Many companies depend on uninterrupted material supplies while maintaining only limited inventories. The report also features commentary from TRADIUM Managing Director Matthias Rüth, who discusses the implications of recent tax-related changes affecting the storage of strategic raw materials. He emphasises the important role of private stockpiling in strengthening industrial supply security.
