Breaking China’s Grip: Korea Zinc Ships Antimony to U.S. Defense Giants
Korea Zinc’s Bold Antimony Shipment Signals a New Era in U.S.-Korea Resource Security

In a bold move that’s got the global minerals market buzzing, Korea Zinc has become the first to ship antimony—a critical component in everything from F-35 stealth fighters to submarine ballasts—directly to the United States. This isn’t just a cargo ship sailing from Busan to Baltimore; it’s a strategic jab at China’s iron grip on the antimony supply chain. With prices skyrocketing and geopolitical tensions simmering, Korea Zinc’s timing couldn’t be sharper. Let’s unpack this game-changer, shall we?
A Historic Shipment with Big Implications
On June 15, 2025, Korea Zinc loaded 20 tons of antimony onto a cargo ship at Busan Port, bound for Baltimore, where it’s set to arrive next month (1). This marks the first direct antimony shipment to the U.S., destined for roughly 10 American companies, including heavy-hitting defense contractors. It’s not just a delivery; it’s a lifeline for U.S. efforts to loosen China’s chokehold on critical minerals.
Korea Zinc isn’t stopping at a one-off flex. The company plans to export 100 tons of antimony to the U.S. this year, with ambitions to ramp up to 240 tons annually by 2026, shipping 20 tons monthly (1). As a company spokesperson put it, “We’re strengthening efforts to build a strategic supply chain hub between Korea and the United States” (1). Translation? They’re ready to play ball in the big leagues of global resource security.
