China continues to exert more control over its strategic resources after announcing new export controls on Antimony, a mineral used in batteries for electric cars and smartphones. By doing this, Beijing is securing its dominance over the global supply chain of this critical commodity. Antimony is used to harden other metals and in flameproofing materials, as well as in the manufacturing of microelectronics and military grade equipment. This move is seen as a part of China’s larger strategy to enhance its geopolitical and economic power. It reflects a broader pattern of China attempting to leverage its natural resource wealth to exert influence internationally. The Chinese government has previously used its control over rare earth elements as a tool in diplomatic disputes. Countries and businesses that rely on Antimony will now have to navigate these tighter controls, which could potentially cause delays and drive up costs. This new regulation could also foster a push by other countries to develop their own domestic Antimony resources or to seek other international suppliers to reduce reliance on China. Overall, this decision by China serves as a reminder of its significant role in the global supply chain and its ability to potentially disrupt critical industries.

China has recently implemented new export controls on strategic minerals, particularly antimony, a key material used in semiconductors and batteries, among other technologies. The controls aim to maintain China’s hold on valuable mineral resources, which account for a significant portion of its global exports.

Antimony is a critical resource for many modern technologies and industries. The primary use of antimony is as a hardening agent in lead for storage batteries and its also used in antimony compounds, which are used for flame-proofing materials and as constituents in paints.

China is the world’s leading producer of antimony, producing over 80% of global supply, which has led to concerns about its supply chain dominance. The new export controls indicate China’s intention to retain control over this strategic mineral and exercise influence in the global market.

The measures are also seen as a response to increasing global competition over control of strategic minerals, with the U.S., Europe, and other developing economies launching initiatives to diversify their supply chains and reduce reliance on China. These moves have sparked a global race to secure supplies of critical minerals needed for emerging technologies.

The controls have also raised concerns about the potential for increased prices and disrupted global supply chains, particularly in industries reliant on antimony. This includes battery and semiconductor producers, which are already grappling with supply chain pressures from the global chip shortage and pandemic-related disruptions.

It’s important to note that the implications of these export controls could reach far beyond the industries directly dependent on antimony. They could potentially accelerate efforts to diversify global supply chains and increase resource independence in nations heavily reliant on Chinese mineral exports.