As the US and China engage in a trade war, the supply of crucial metals like gallium and germanium for clean energy technologies is at risk. China’s export ban on gallium has prompted the US to seek alternative sources, such as Canada. Companies in the US and Canada are now considering expanding production of these rare metals to meet demand. The global interest in diversifying critical mineral supply chains is growing, driven by China’s export restrictions.
Gallium and germanium are essential for various high-tech applications, including semiconductor chips, solar cells, and fiber optic cables. With limited substitutes available, the dominance of China in the supply chain poses a challenge for the US. However, US companies like Neo Performance Materials and Teck Resources are exploring ways to increase production outside of China.
While Canada remains a short-term solution for these metals, the US is also looking into recycling options and exploring new production capacities. Companies like Umicore and Nyrstar are actively involved in recycling germanium and gallium, with plans to expand production in the future. The recent geopolitical tension has created a business case for outside of China production, signaling a potential shift in the global market for these crucial metals.