Beijing: China’s Ministry of Commerce announced on Sunday that it will temporarily suspend part of its export restrictions on several critical materials — including gallium, germanium, antimony, and superhard materials — bound for the United States.

According to the ministry’s statement, the suspension applies to the second clause of Announcement No. 46 (2024) and will remain in effect from November 9, 2025, to November 27, 2026. This clause had previously banned exports of these materials to the US and imposed tighter reviews on graphite shipments.

Military Restrictions Remain

While easing some controls, the first clause of the same announcement — which prohibits the export of dual-use items intended for US military use or end-users — will continue to be enforced.

The ministry emphasized that the temporary pause only affects licensing and review restrictions under the second clause, and does not signal a full removal of export controls.

Background on Export Control Law

China’s Export Control Law, updated in December 2024, warned that organizations or individuals exporting dual-use goods to US entities in violation of the rules could face legal penalties. The move to ease restrictions comes amid efforts by both nations to stabilize trade ties.

Linked to Recent US-China Trade Deal

The suspension follows a major trade and economic agreement reached earlier this month after a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea.

Under the deal, China agreed to:

• Suspend export controls on rare earths and other critical materials.
• End retaliatory tariffs and non-tariff barriers imposed since March 4.
• Resume large-scale imports of US soybeans, sorghum, and timber.
• Allow the resumption of trade from Nexperia’s facilities in China.
• End investigations into US firms in the semiconductor supply chain.

In exchange, the United States will:

• Reduce tariffs on Chinese imports related to fentanyl control by 10 percent starting November 10, 2025.
• Extend Section 301 tariff exclusions until November 10, 2026.
• Suspend retaliatory measures linked to probes into China’s maritime and shipbuilding industries for one year.

Significance for Global Supply Chains

The temporary lifting of restrictions on gallium, germanium, and other materials — crucial for semiconductors and advanced manufacturing — could help ease global supply chain pressures and signal a tentative thaw in US-China trade relations after years of tensions.