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Reviewed Aug 2026
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Trade Security & Policy Watch

Export Controls & Trade Restrictions

Comprehensive timeline and analytical registry of government trade directives, export licensing controls, technology bans, and defense procurement prohibitions affecting critical minerals.

4
Major controls since 2023
Four major export control regimes affecting critical minerals have been implemented globally since August 2023.
Dual-Use
Primary justification
Most export controls cite national security and the dual-use nature (commercial + defense) of the targeted minerals.
Supply Chain
Primary target
Controls increasingly target intermediate processing stages and manufacturing technology, not just raw ores.
Active Restrictions

Policy Directive Registry

Export Licensing MandateChina (Ministry of Commerce)
August 2024 - Present

Antimony & Flame Retardants

Imposes security review and dual-use licensing requirements on high-purity antimony metal, oxide, and synthetic compounds.

Supply Impact: High impact on defense ammunition, flame retardants, and semiconductor optics supply chains.
Dual-Use Export RestrictionsChina (MOFCOM / GAC)
December 2023 - Present

Synthetic & Natural Graphite

Requires specific export permits for high-density, high-purity synthetic graphite and natural flake graphite products.

Supply Impact: Directly affects EV battery anode precursor manufacturing in North America and Europe.
Dual-Use Trade RegulationChina (MOFCOM)
August 2023 - Present

Gallium & Germanium

Export restrictions placed on 8 gallium items and 6 germanium items to safeguard national security.

Supply Impact: Affected semiconductor foundries, compound chip substrate suppliers, and defense optics manufacturers.
Technology Export BanChina
December 2023

Rare Earth Extraction Technology

Banned the export of technology to extract and separate rare earth elements, and technology to produce rare earth magnets.

Supply Impact: Slows Western development of independent rare earth separation facilities by restricting equipment and IP.
Defense Procurement MandateUnited States (DoD)
2024 Directive

Rare Earth Permanent Magnets

DFARS clause prohibiting defense prime contractors from procuring neodymium-iron-boron magnets melted or produced in non-covered nations.

Supply Impact: Accelerated domestic rare earth magnet manufacturing initiatives in Texas and South Carolina.
Common Questions

Export Controls FAQ

Export controls are increasingly used as geopolitical tools to protect domestic industries, retaliate against tech embargoes (such as semiconductor equipment bans), and secure national security supply chains. The transition to clean energy and advanced defense electronics has elevated the strategic importance of these materials.
Related Research

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Defense Metals
Strategic minerals for munitions and radar.
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Semiconductors
Impact of gallium and germanium controls.
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Rare Earths
Magnet supply chains and tech export bans.
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Minerals by Country
National strategies and geopolitics.
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