US says it opposes export controls by China on metals, will consult allies
Earlier this week, China put export controls on gallium and germanium products, used in electric vehicles (EVs) and fiber optic cables. The abrupt announcement of controls from Aug. 1 has sent companies scrambling to secure supplies and bumped up prices.
China's move, which its commerce ministry said was to protect national security, was seen by economic analysts as a response to escalating efforts by Washington to curb China's technological advances.
The announcement came on the eve of the U.S. Independence Day holiday and just before U.S. Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen visits Beijing.
The European Commission has also expressed concern, while Germany's Economy Minister Robert Habeck said any broadening of controls to materials like lithium would be "problematic."
https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/us-says-it-opposes-export-controls-by-china-metals-will-consult-allies-2023-07-05/
Good on China for looking out for its national security.... time to look after ours.
