The clean energy metals caught in the crosshairs of US-China trade war

Maddie Stone | Source: Canary Media | Posted 02/12/2025

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Gallium and germanium are key to some clean energy tech. China blocked exports of the metals to the U.S. in December, leaving the country searching for a new source.

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The article discusses the rising tensions in the global supply chain for clean energy metals, particularly gallium and germanium, amid the ongoing US-China trade war. In 2023, Neo Performance Materials, a Canadian company, began receiving increased interest from government officials and businesses looking to produce these rare metals outside of China, which has imposed export controls in response to US restrictions on semiconductor sales. As China dominates the production of gallium and germanium, the US is exploring options to diversify its supply chain, with companies in North America considering expanding production to meet domestic demand.

Gallium and germanium are critical for various technologies, including semiconductors and clean energy applications. The article highlights the challenges and opportunities for US and Canadian producers, such as Neo and Teck Resources, to increase production capacity. It also notes the potential for recycling initiatives and new extraction methods from existing waste streams. The geopolitical landscape has shifted the market dynamics, creating a stronger business case for producing these metals outside of China, as prices have surged due to the export controls.

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Source Link: https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-energy-supply-chain/the-clean-energy-metals-caught-in-the-crosshairs-of-us-china-trade-war

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The clean energy metals caught in the crosshairs of US-China trade war

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