American companies are circumventing China’s export restrictions on key minerals by rerouting shipments through third countries such as Thailand and Mexico, according to a recent Reuters report. This surge in trade through these intermediaries is part of an ongoing effort to maintain access to critical minerals like antimony, gallium, and germanium, which are vital to the US economy, particularly in technology, defense, and renewable energy sectors.
The export ban, imposed in December 2024, was a retaliatory measure by Beijing against the US’s expansion of export controls on high-tech sectors, including semiconductors and artificial intelligence. This move has led to significant disruptions in industries reliant on these materials, prompting US firms to seek alternative supply routes. Customs data indicates that imports of antimony oxide from Thailand and Mexico have surged since the ban, exceeding the combined total of the previous three years.
Chinese export records show that Thailand and Mexico were among the top destinations for antimony shipments in 2025, despite not ranking in the top 10 in 2023. Industry sources confirm that US companies have successfully procured restricted minerals through intermediaries, underscoring the complexities of the US-China trade conflict. The broader trade and tariff dispute has been escalating since early 2024, with the US imposing sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports, leading to reciprocal measures.
The recent deal to resume rare-earth mineral shipments between the US and China does not include the critical minerals at issue, highlighting the ongoing challenges in securing alternative supply chains for essential resources. Both nations emphasize the need for mutual cooperation to ensure the agreement’s success, with hopes for continued dialogue to reduce tensions and foster a more stable trade relationship.