From batteries to missiles: China’s export curbs shake global supply chains

China has escalated its control over vital mineral exports in retaliation to U.S. tariffs, intensifying global supply chain fears as it tightens curbs on rare earths, battery metals, and strategic technologies critical for defence and green energy.

China has intensified its control over key strategic mineral exports in response to U.S. tariffs, raising global concerns over supply chain vulnerabilities. On Friday, Beijing added several rare earth elements to its export control list, signalling its readiness to weaponise its dominance in critical mineral markets.

The restrictions follow a series of curbs introduced since 2023. In February, China required export licences for products related to tungsten, tellurium, bismuth, indium, and molybdenum—metals vital for defence and clean energy industries. January saw proposals to limit technology exports for processing lithium, gallium, and battery components.

Last December, China outright banned exports of antimony, gallium, and germanium to the U.S. These metals are essential for electronics, solar tech, and defence systems. China controls up to 90% of global refining for these elements.

Also in 2023, China restricted graphite exports—critical for electric vehicle batteries—and banned the export of rare earth magnet manufacturing technology. With near-total dominance over rare earths refining, China’s moves are forcing Western firms to rethink sourcing and bolster domestic capabilities.

As trade tensions deepen, these strategic controls could reshape global supply chains and accelerate the race for mineral independence.

Copied