US Objects to Chinese Export Controls on Gallium, Germanium

The U.S. “firmly” opposes export controls by China on certain metals used to produce semiconductors, a Commerce Department spokesperson said July 6. “These actions underscore the need to diversify supply chains,” the person said in an email. “The United States will engage with our allies and partners to address this and to build resilience in critical supply chains.”

China announced the restrictions earlier this week, placing export licensing requirements on gallium and germanium (see 2307050018). A Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said July 6 that Beijing informed both the U.S. and the EU about the new controls before the country announced the measures. The person said Beijing “made advance notification through the China-U.S. and China-EU export control dialogue channels,” according to an unofficial translation, adding that the controls on gallium and germanium are “in accordance with the law and does not target any specific country.” The Commerce spokesperson declined to confirm whether it received advance notice.

The China Semiconductor Industry Association said this week that even though the announcement adds export licensing requirements for the metals, “it does not completely eliminate exports,” according to an unofficial translation.