China resumes gallium exports to Japan after four-month hiatus
2026-06-24 11:45:38 [Print]
China has resumed gallium exports to Japan following a four-month suspension, coinciding with a surge in its rare earth magnet shipments on the global market.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), data released by Chinese customs authorities on June 20 showed that the country exported 6,000 kilograms of gallium to Japan in May.
Japan was the sole destination for this strategic metal that month, marking the first shipment since Beijing suspended exports of both gallium and germanium to Japan earlier this year. However, germanium exports to Japan have yet to be restored.
In January, China's Ministry of Commerce announced export controls on dual-use items destined for Japan, a move widely seen as retaliation for remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding potential intervention in the event of a Taiwan contingency. The restricted items included gallium, germanium, and seven rare earth elements, such as dysprosium and samarium.
Gallium and germanium are critical materials used in the production of semiconductors, fiber optic cables, fast chargers for electric vehicles, and renewable energy technologies. Both metals also hold strategic importance in the defense sector.
Germanium is utilized in military infrared surveillance systems, while gallium is an essential component of semiconductor chips employed in radar and missile guidance systems.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), data released by Chinese customs authorities on June 20 showed that the country exported 6,000 kilograms of gallium to Japan in May.
Japan was the sole destination for this strategic metal that month, marking the first shipment since Beijing suspended exports of both gallium and germanium to Japan earlier this year. However, germanium exports to Japan have yet to be restored.
In January, China's Ministry of Commerce announced export controls on dual-use items destined for Japan, a move widely seen as retaliation for remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding potential intervention in the event of a Taiwan contingency. The restricted items included gallium, germanium, and seven rare earth elements, such as dysprosium and samarium.
Gallium and germanium are critical materials used in the production of semiconductors, fiber optic cables, fast chargers for electric vehicles, and renewable energy technologies. Both metals also hold strategic importance in the defense sector.
Germanium is utilized in military infrared surveillance systems, while gallium is an essential component of semiconductor chips employed in radar and missile guidance systems.
Gallium Metal 99.99%min FOB China
Unit:USD/kg
China gallium metal producers' suspension number statistics by province by month
Unit: pcs
