China’s new export restrictions on antimony, a crucial metal for the U.S. defense industry, could significantly impact prices in sectors such as ammunition, infrared missiles, and night vision technology. Antimony is also used in batteries and photovoltaic equipment.
With China producing nearly 50% of the global antimony supply, these restrictions could disrupt key defense and energy supply chains. The restrictions apply to six antimony-related products, including ore, metals, and oxides, posing a serious challenge to countries dependent on Chinese exports.
The U.S. imported around 22,000 tons of antimony last year, with 63% coming from China. The next largest supplier, Belgium, provided only 8%, highlighting the U.S.’s heavy reliance on Chinese imports. China’s Ministry of Commerce cited national security and international obligations as reasons for the move.
The U.S. has been trying to reduce its dependence on Chinese materials, but the country remains a leading global supplier of 25 essential minerals, including rare earths, magnesium, and tungsten.
China’s New Antimony Export Restrictions Threaten U.S. Defense and Energy Sectors
China’s latest export curbs follow similar restrictions placed on gallium, germanium, and graphite over the past year, in part as a response to U.S. export controls on advanced semiconductor technology. Analysts warn that the U.S. has become vulnerable due to its increased reliance on imports of critical materials. Rising antimony prices, already nearly double this year, are expected to climb even higher, adding to the strain on the defense industry.
In response to these shortages, U.S.-based companies like Perpetua Resources are looking to speed up domestic antimony production, with support from the Pentagon and the U.S. Export-Import Bank. However, environmental challenges and the lengthy permitting process could delay production until at least 2028. The growing scarcity of antimony has led Perpetua to explore ways to accelerate its output to meet the strategic needs of the U.S. defense sector.
In addition to antimony, China is also restricting exports of superabrasive materials, such as industrial diamonds, which are essential in various U.S. industries. Experts warn that these export controls could seriously harm the U.S. economy and highlight the urgent need to develop domestic capacity in these sectors.
With China continuing to assert its dominance in global mineral supplies, the U.S. and other nations face growing pressure to diversify their critical mineral supply chains to safeguard their economic and national security interests.
