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How US buyers of critical minerals bypass China's export ban

UNITED STATES, JUL 9 – US imports of antimony, gallium, and germanium from Thailand and Mexico are set to match or exceed pre-ban levels despite China’s export restrictions, customs data show.

  • Records indicate that between December and May, Thai Unipet Industries transported over 3,366 tonnes of antimony goods from Thailand to the United States.
  • China banned direct antimony exports to the US last December, leading Chinese exporters to reroute shipments through Thailand and Mexico to bypass the ban.
  • Trade data and expert statements reveal clear evidence of transshipment, although involved companies remain unidentified, and Chinese firms creatively relabel shipments to avoid scrutiny.
  • Ram Ben Tzion noted that there is a recurring trend in the data, describing it as a consistent pattern, while James Hsiao cautioned that undeclared smuggling can lead to jail sentences of over five years.
  • The surge in US antimony imports from Thailand and Mexico suggests China faces enforcement challenges, as US demand remains near pre-ban levels despite higher prices.
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The Straits TimesThe Straits Times
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How US buyers of critical minerals bypass China’s export ban

Beijing banned exports of critical minerals such as antimony to US on Dec 3. Read more at straitstimes.com.

·Singapore
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U.S. News broke the news in New York, United States on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
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