China's commerce ministry announced on Monday that the country will impose export controls on certain metals widely used in the semiconductor industry, Reuters reports.
The move comes as part of an escalating battle between Beijing and the United States over access to high-tech microchips.
The newly imposed controls, which China states are aimed at safeguarding national security and interests, will require exporters to seek permission before shipping gallium and germanium products.
Simultaneously, media reports suggest that the United States is considering implementing new restrictions on the shipment of high-tech microchips to China. In addition, the United States and the Netherlands are planning to further restrict sales of chipmaking equipment to Chinese chipmakers this summer, as a means to prevent their technology from being utilized to bolster China's military capabilities.
China's export controls are set to take effect on August 1 and will apply to eight gallium-related products, including gallium antimonide, gallium arsenide, gallium metal, gallium nitride, gallium oxide, gallium phosphide, gallium selenide, and indium gallium arsenide. The controls will also extend to six germanium products, namely germanium dioxide, germanium epitaxial growth substrate, germanium ingot, germanium metal, germanium tetrachloride, and zinc germanium phosphide.
Exporters will be required to obtain export licenses through specified procedures, as outlined by China's commerce ministry. Violations of these regulations, including exporting the products without permission or exceeding permitted export volumes, will result in penalties.
Germanium, in addition to its application in the semiconductor industry, is also used in infrared technology, fiber optic cables, and solar cells.
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