Gallium

China this week formally imposed new export regulations on gallium and germanium, as well as materials incorporating them. This move is broadly seen as a retaliatory act for the limitations recently placed on the Chinese semiconductor industry by the U.S., Japan, and the Netherlands. These new export regulations risk eventually significantly impacting the semiconductor sector, especially factories based in Japan. Starting from August 1, 2023, Chinese companies are required to secure an export license to export gallium and germanium metals or any products that include these elements. With a stronghold over the global production of gallium (94%) and germanium (around 60%), China's announcement of these restrictions in early July led to nearly a 20% price hike for gallium in the U.S and Europe. While the...