CHINA'S EXPORTS OF RARE EARTH MINERALS FALL TO ZERO IN AUGUST

​China is the world’s leading producer of rare minerals like gallium and germanium, essential for producing semiconductors. However, according to a report by China’s Customs Administration, exports of the two minerals from China to other countries fell to zero in August.

​This could be a significant blow to the global semiconductor industry, as China accounts for over 70% of the world’s gallium and germanium production. The decline in exports is attributed to China’s efforts to strengthen its strategic stockpile of minerals, a move aimed at ensuring the nation’s semiconductor production.

The export fall has been further exacerbated by the US-China trade war, which has led to a decrease in demand for semiconductors from China. This has resulted in a reduction of the market for gallium and germanium, leading to a decline in their exports.

Despite the decline in exports, China still produces enough of the two minerals to meet its own needs for semiconductor production. The country has been increasing its production of gallium and germanium over the past few years.

The fall in exports of the two minerals will likely significantly impact the global semiconductor industry. With China being the world’s leading producer of gallium and germanium, the decline in exports could lead to an increase in the prices of the minerals, leading to a rise in the prices of semiconductors. This could significantly impact the global tech industry, as semiconductors are a vital component in many electronic devices.

In conclusion, the fall in gallium and germanium exports from China will likely impact the global semiconductor industry significantly. This could lead to an increase in the prices of semiconductors and may have a ripple effect on the tech industry.