China Tightens Grip on Critical Minerals with Antimony Export Restrictions

China’s Strategic Move to Control Critical Minerals Puts Global Supply Chains at Risk

Editorial Team (ET)June 24, 2025

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering national security, China announced its latest set of export restrictions, this time targeting antimony and related elements. These restrictions, effective from September 15, 2024, mark Beijing's ongoing effort to control the supply of critical minerals, essential for both military and civilian applications. As the world’s largest producer of antimony, China's decision will have significant repercussions globally, particularly for countries heavily reliant on this strategic metal.

Understanding Antimony's Strategic Importance

Antimony is a silvery, brittle metalloid known for its role in a wide range of industrial applications. It is used in everything from flame retardants and lead-acid batteries to semiconductors and military equipment. The metal’s unique properties, such as its ability to increase the hardness and strength of other metals, make it indispensable in various sectors.

Antimony is crucial in military applications, including the production of ammunition, infrared missiles, nuclear weapons, and night vision goggles. Additionally, its usage in batteries and photovoltaic equipment underscores its importance in the energy sector. The dual-use nature of antimony—having both civilian and military applications—makes it a critical material in geopolitical strategies.

China dominates the global supply chain for antimony, accounting for nearly half of the world's mined output. This dominance places Beijing in a powerful position, allowing it to influence global markets and exert pressure on other nations that depend on this critical mineral.

China's Strategic Export Restrictions

On Thursday, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced the imposition of export limits on antimony and related elements, citing national security concerns. The restrictions are part of a broader strategy to safeguard China's interests and fulfill international obligations, including non-proliferation commitments.

The new rules will apply to six types of antimony-related products, including antimony ore, metals, and oxide. Exporters of these products will now need to obtain licenses, particularly for items classified as dual-use, meaning they have potential military as well as civilian applications. Additionally, the export of gold-antimony smelting and separation technology will be banned without special permission.

The timing of these restrictions is significant. With increasing geopolitical tensions and global military build-ups, the demand for antimony is rising. China's move to limit exports can be seen as a response to these dynamics, aiming to maintain its strategic advantage by controlling the supply of this critical mineral.

Global Repercussions

The United States and European countries are likely to feel the impact of China's export restrictions most acutely. As Christopher Ecclestone, a mining strategist at Hallgarten & Company in London, pointed out, "The military uses of Sb (antimony) are now the tail that wags the dog." The restrictions will likely squeeze the U.S. and European militaries, which rely on antimony for their defense needs.

Perpetua Resources, a U.S.-based company, is poised to play a critical role in addressing the shortage. The company is developing an antimony and gold project with support from the Pentagon and the U.S. Export-Import Bank. Initially scheduled to begin production by 2028, Perpetua is now exploring ways to accelerate antimony production to meet strategic needs.

The restrictions are expected to drive up prices for antimony, which have already surged to record highs this year. The tight supply, coupled with growing demand—particularly from the photovoltaic sector—will exacerbate market tightness, making it increasingly difficult for countries to secure the antimony they need.

The Broader Context of China's Mineral Curbs

China's latest move is part of a broader pattern of resource control. Over the past year, Beijing has introduced several export restrictions on critical minerals. In December 2023, China banned the export of technology used to produce rare earth magnets, following earlier bans on technology for extracting and separating critical materials.

In addition to antimony, China has also tightened exports of graphite products and imposed restrictions on gallium and germanium, both of which are widely used in the semiconductor industry. These moves highlight China’s strategy of leveraging its dominance in critical mineral markets to advance its national interests.

As China continues to restrict exports of critical minerals, other countries are scrambling to secure alternative supplies. The U.S. and its allies are implementing policies to reduce their reliance on Chinese minerals, including support packages for their domestic critical minerals sectors. However, the process of developing alternative supply chains is complex and time-consuming, leaving these nations vulnerable in the short term.

The Future of Global Antimony Markets

China’s export restrictions underscore the strategic importance of antimony. As geopolitical tensions rise, control over critical minerals like antimony will become increasingly important. Nations that can secure stable supplies of these materials will gain a significant advantage in both economic and military terms.

Countries affected by China’s antimony export restrictions will likely respond by accelerating efforts to diversify their sources of supply. This could include increased investment in domestic mining projects, partnerships with other producing nations, and strategic stockpiling of critical minerals.

Advances in technology could also play a role in mitigating the impact of China's export restrictions. For example, developing new materials or refining processes that reduce reliance on antimony could help countries lessen their dependence on Chinese supplies.

Conclusion

China’s decision to limit antimony exports is a clear signal of its intent to leverage its dominance in critical mineral markets for strategic gain. As the world’s largest supplier of antimony, China's actions will have far-reaching consequences, particularly for nations heavily reliant on this metal for military and industrial applications. The global scramble to secure alternative supplies underscores the growing importance of critical minerals in the 21st century. As geopolitical tensions continue to rise, the control of these resources will be a key factor in determining the balance of power on the global stage.

Antimony

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