EU presses China on critical mineral export licences as gallium, germanium and antimony supplies tighten

EU & China

EU presses China on critical mineral export licences as European stocks of key materials shrink. Officials raised the issue at the Antimony Day industry event in Brussels. EU presses China on critical mineral export licences to stabilise supply for industry and defence. Therefore, the dispute is moving from trade friction to strategic risk.

China began restricting gallium and germanium exports in August 2023. It then added antimony controls in September 2024. Companies must request licences from China’s commerce ministry and disclose end-use details. However, businesses say the process can require sensitive information.

China’s exports have dropped since controls began. China exported 7,520kg of germanium in January–September, down 71% versus 25,764kg in the same period of 2022. Meanwhile, European inventories have dwindled across key users. As a result, EU presses China on critical mineral export licences to reduce near-term disruption.

Defence and high-tech supply chains face the sharpest exposure

Gallium and germanium compounds support advanced defence technologies. They also enable high-frequency communications and threat-detection systems. Meanwhile, antimony links to flame retardants, alloys, and specialised applications. Therefore, supply shortages create direct industrial security concerns.

European Commission trade deputy director-general Denis Redonnet said the EU is asking China to “recalibrate” measures. He said the EU views the controls as a long-term industrial strategy. However, he said the EU is not yet at the countermeasure stage. Therefore, Brussels is signalling escalation risk while keeping diplomacy open.

EU considers countermeasures and accelerates stockpiling alliances

EU officials said countermeasures remain possible if disruptions worsen. They said any response will focus on immediate damage control and long-term resilience. Meanwhile, Europe’s decision-making spans trade, industry, energy, and diplomacy. As a result, action can move slower than in more centralised systems.

European Policy Centre chief executive Fabian Zuleeg said member states retain significant influence. The EU is also working with like-minded partners beyond the bloc. Therefore, joint purchasing, stockpiling, and alliances with mining countries are rising priorities.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Export licensing has become a strategic lever, not a simple trade tool. Meanwhile, Europe will need faster stockpiling and qualification of alternative sources. Therefore, buyers should contract diversified supply and build audited inventories for 2026–2027.