EU presses China on critical mineral export licences as Europe warns of countermeasures

Critical Mineral Mine

EU presses China on critical mineral export licences as European manufacturers confront tighter supply chains. EU presses China on critical mineral export licences to accelerate approvals and reduce stock depletion in Europe. The European Union raised the issue at an industry meeting in Brussels.

Licensing bottlenecks hit defence and tech supply chains

China’s export controls have tightened flows of strategic materials since 2023. China began licensing for gallium and germanium in August 2023, then added antimony in September 2024. European Commission officials say applicants often must share sensitive end-use information.

Fewer licences have translated into lower exports and thinner inventories in Europe. China exported 7,520kg of germanium in January-September, down 71% from 2022. As a result, defence electronics and high-frequency communications face higher procurement risk.

Europe weighs countermeasures and diversification

Brussels is considering countermeasures if licensing delays deepen and disruptions spread. Denis Redonnet said the EU wants China to recalibrate the measures and speed processing. However, officials also frame the controls as a long-run industrial strategy, not a temporary dispute.

Europe is also building a broader response beyond trade policy alone. European Policy Centre chief Fabian Zuleeg said member states keep strong decision power across industry and diplomacy. Meanwhile, Brussels is exploring joint purchasing, stockpiling, and partnerships with non-EU mining countries.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Export licensing has become a front-line risk for Europe’s advanced manufacturing supply chains. Meanwhile, countermeasures will matter most if Europe pairs them with new refining capacity. Therefore, firms should model shortages alongside procurement and compliance requirements.