China Bans Rare Minerals Exports to US

China said on Tuesday it would begin banning the export of several rare minerals to the United States in an escalation of the tech war between the world's two biggest powers. The move came a day after the Biden administration tightened China's access to advanced American technology.

The ban demonstrates Beijing's willingness to engage in supply chain warfare by blocking exports of key components used to make valuable products such as weapons and semiconductors.

China’s Commerce Ministry said sales of gallium, germanium, antimony and so-called superhard materials to the United States would be immediately halted because they have both military and civilian uses. Graphite exports would also face stricter scrutiny.