China plans export curbs on battery parts, mineral technology

China is the top global supplier of dozens of critical minerals, and concerns about its dominance have been mounting in Washington

China plans to tighten export restrictions on certain technology used to make battery components and the processing of two crucial metals amid rising trade tensions globally.

Beijing proposes including battery cathode material preparation technology to its catalog of applications that are subject to export bans or restrictions, according to a notice seeking public opinion released by the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday. The ministry also plans to enhance curbs on some technologies and processes for extracting metallic gallium and lithium.

The proposed measure is part of efforts to “strengthen the management of technology imports and exports,” according to the official Xinhua News Agency. The public can provide feedback on the proposals until Feb. 1, it added.

If implemented, these changes would be the latest in a series of export bans targeting critical minerals and the technology to process them, areas where China holds a dominant position. Beijing leads the battery supply chain, controlling nearly 85% of global battery cell production capacity.

China’s proposed technology export restrictions came a month after authorities announced a ban on several materials with high-tech and military applications, a tit-for-tat move after the US government escalated technology curbs on Beijing. Gallium, germanium, antimony and superhard materials are no longer allowed to be shipped to America, while sales of graphite has been placed under tighter controls.

China is the top global supplier of dozens of critical minerals, and concerns about its dominance have been mounting in Washington since the country placed initial controls on exports of gallium and germanium last year. The metals are used in everything from semiconductors to satellites and night-vision goggles.