China is adding another semi-metal, which is also used in armaments, to its list of restricted raw materials for export. Export controls on antimony will apply from September 15, the Ministry of Commerce and the Customs Administration in Beijing announced. The authority cited improved protection for national security and the fulfillment of international obligations such as non-proliferation as the reason.
The measures are not aimed at a specific country or region, a spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce stressed. However, he did not go into more detail.
Antimony is a silvery-white semi-metal that is used in industry in combination with other substances. It is used, for example, in the manufacture of car batteries and solar panels. However, it can also be used in the construction of nuclear weapons and military equipment such as night vision devices.
In the past, the USA had therefore added antimony to a list of minerals that are important for economic and national security. The semi-metal is also used in the field of flame retardants. In combination with lead, it can be used as an alloy to improve its hardness.
As the spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce further stated, China wants to ensure peace in the world and stability in the region. The government therefore rejects any country or region using restricted goods that harm China’s sovereignty, security or development interests. The authority did not provide any further details.
China is a major producer of antimony. In the ongoing trade disputes with the West, Beijing has already restricted exports of other important raw materials such as graphite and germanium. These rare earths are in demand, among other things, in the construction of batteries – for example for electric cars.
