BEIJING: The commerce ministry of China announced on Monday( Jul 3 ) that it would control exports of some metals that are widely used in the semiconductor industry. This is the latest development in a growing dispute between Beijing and the US over access to high-tech microchips.
Exporters must request authorization to deliver some chromium and germanium products under the regulates, which China claimed were intended to safeguard national security and interests.
According to media reports, Washington is easing new restrictions on the shipment of high-tech microchips to China as part of a move to handle exports of the unique elements that Beijing views as proper.
As part of efforts to stop their systems from being used to enhance China’s army, the United States and the Netherlands are also prepared to deliver a one-two punch to Chinese chipmakers this summertime by more restricting sales of chipmaking equipment.
Eight gallium-related products may be subject to China’s controls starting on August 1: Gallium mono, galium antimonide, galidium arsenide, gildium material, calyxium oxide, capellium phosphides, gallidium selenide.
Additionally, they will be applicable to metal tungsten phosphide, tetrachloride, epitaxial growth substrate, ingot, metal, and six other products made of Germanium.
According to a statement from China’s business ministry, exporters must go through the necessary steps in order to receive export licenses.
It stated that anyone who exports these goods without authorization and those who do so in excess of the allowed quantities may be penalized.
Germanium is also used in solar cell, fiber optic cables, and infrared systems.