Summary
Chinese exports of gallium and germanium fell sharply this month amid intensified anti‑smuggling enforcement, driving prices higher. U.S. buyers are rerouting supply chains via third countries to bypass export controls.
Key Event Details
Export Decline: In June, exports of germanium and antimony dropped by 95% and 88% compared to January. While gallium figures were not published, the trend indicates tightening across critical metals.
Enforcement Crackdown: China’s state security agency is dismantling transshipment networks used to bypass export bans.
Supply Chain Workarounds: U.S. importers are increasingly sourcing through intermediaries in Thailand, Mexico, and other nations to continue access to restricted minerals.
Strategic Takeaways
Smuggling crackdowns are reducing informal supply chain resilience.
Price pressures on gallium and germanium are expected to rise further.
Western countries face greater urgency to accelerate domestic sourcing and recycling.
Watchlist Companies
Company | Ticker | Region | Why Monitor | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Neo Performance Materials | – | Canada | Canadian producer of high-purity gallium via recycling | |
Quantum Critical Metals | TSXV: LEAP | Canada | Advancing gallium and germanium recovery in Canada |
Government and Policy Links
Reuters: Export plunge report
Reuters: US supply chain workaround report
Action Points
Monitor price signals for gallium and germanium.
Track companies advancing domestic recycling and recovery.
Watch customs data for potential shifts in import routes.