US Companies Bypass China’s Mineral Ban via Thailand and Mexico but Faces Rising Costs

After China banned exports of critical minerals like antimony, gallium, and germanium to the US in December, American buyers quickly rerouted supplies through third-party countries such as Thailand and Mexico. Despite no significant antimony mining in these nations, imports surged as Chinese exports shifted to them, revealing continued Chinese dominance in processing. The workaround comes at a high cost, with many shipments bought from grey market suppliers at premium prices. US battery makers remain concerned about dwindling stockpiles, labelling it a “national emergency.” Efforts are underway to revive domestic antimony production, including a major mine in Idaho.

Quote: Mineral Ban

“China’s ban on antimony in December happened too suddenly for American battery companies to build up an emergency inventory.”

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