China ends ban on exports to US of certain ‘dual-use’ materials: Ministry

• The suspension covers exports of gallium, germanium and antimony.
• The suspension of the export ban will remain in effect until November 27, 2026.
• Ban on targeted metals used in semiconductors and defense technology.

BEIJING: China has suspended an export ban to the United States that targeted gallium, germanium and antimony, metals vital to modern technology including semiconductors, Beijing’s commerce ministry said on Sunday.

The restrictions banned the export of “dual-use” goods, materials that can have both civilian and military applications.

The ban, which was imposed in December 2024, will now be suspended until November 27, 2026, Beijing’s commerce ministry said in a statement.

The announcement comes after leaders Xi Jinping and Donald Trump met on October 30 in South Korea and agreed to withdraw some punitive measures imposed during the tariff escalation.

At one point, tariffs on both sides reached prohibitive triple-digit levels, hampering trade between the world’s two largest economies and snarling global supply chains.

Throughout the trade war, China has sought to exploit critical minerals that underpin everything from smartphones to advanced military technology.

China confirms restart of Nexperia chip exports

Meanwhile, the European Commission said on Saturday that Chinese authorities had confirmed the partial restart of Nexperia chips, easing a blockade that has worried carmakers.

The controversy erupted in September when the Dutch government effectively took control of Nexperia, which is based in the Netherlands but whose parent company is China’s Wingtech.

China responded by banning re-exports of the company’s chips, prompting warnings from automakers to halt production as the components are critical to vehicle electronics.

However, Beijing announced at the weekend that it would exempt certain brands from the export ban, reportedly as part of a trade deal agreed by President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump.

EU trade commissioner Maros Šefković posted on X that he welcomed “the confirmation provided today… on the further simplification of export procedures for Nexperia chips destined for EU and global customers”.

Exports will be allowed as long as the chips are for “political use” only, Sefkovic added, saying the measure would take effect “immediately.”

Talks are continuing with China to find a “durable, stable, predictable framework that ensures full recovery of semiconductor flows,” he added.

Germany’s Aumovio, a major auto supplier, had already said on Friday that it had received permission from Chinese authorities to continue exporting Nexperia chips.

The chips are manufactured in Europe but then shipped to China for finishing, before being re-exported to customers in Europe and other markets.

Volkswagen, Europe’s biggest carmaker, had warned of production disruptions if the crisis continued, while smaller companies were reported to be preparing to cut working hours.

The Netherlands cited national security concerns when it decided to take control of Nexperia, accusing the company’s chief executive of mismanagement.