Spot prices for gallium and germanium are spiking as Chinese enforcement shuts down informal supply routes. U.S. buyers are scrambling to reroute shipments via third countries, raising compliance risks.
Key Points
• Chinese exports of germanium and antimony plunged by over 90% this summer. https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinese-exports-two-critical-minerals-plunge-even-rare-earths-rebound-2025-07-21/
• U.S. buyers are shifting to intermediary routes through Thailand and Mexico. https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/how-us-buyers-critical-minerals-bypass-chinas-export-ban-2025-07-09/
Why It Matters
• Price volatility is climbing as supply routes collapse.
• Informal sourcing is now riskier.
• Domestic recycling and recovery options are gaining importance.
Watchlist Companies
• Neo Performance Materials – https://444critical.com/search?query=Neo+Performance+Materials
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/neo-performance-materials-exits-separation-facilities-in-china-2025-05-22/
Reason: Expanding North American recycling‑based gallium production.
• Ucore Rare Metals – https://444critical.com/search?query=Ucore+Rare+Metals
Source: https://www.mining.com/web/china-launches-campaign-to-crack-down-on-strategic-minerals-smuggling/
Reason: Developing U.S.‑backed gallium recovery technology.
Read the full one‑pager → https://444critical.com/alerts/gallium-prices-surge
Visit 444Critical home → https://444critical.com