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In a move that promises to destabilize markets around the world, China, a giant in the production of strategic metals, decided to adopt a measure that could profoundly impact global industrial and technological sectors.
From September 15th, new restrictions will apply to exports of antimony products, a critical element used in civil and military applications.
China, which had already been imposing controls on the export of strategic minerals since last year, has now announced that it will start requiring licenses for the export of antimony products, such as ore, ingots and oxide.
This control reinforces the country's position as one of the biggest influencers in the global strategic metals market. According to experts, this measure could have significant impacts, raising prices and forcing countries to look for alternatives to meet their industrial needs.
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The importance of antimony cannot be underestimated. This metalloid, in addition to being essential as a flame retardant, is used in the production of photovoltaic glass and in lead-acid batteries, sectors that have gained relevance in recent years.
In the military scenario, antimony is even more critical, being used in the manufacture of equipment such as infrared missiles and night vision goggles, in addition to being a hardening agent in projectiles and armor.
How could this measure by China affect the global market?
A China is responsible for almost half of the world's antimony production, dominating 48% of the market in 2023. With the new limitations imposed, the global supply of this metal could suffer a drastic drop, directly impacting industries that depend on this input.
Sectors such as flame retardants and solar, which were already facing a tight market, could face a significant increase in prices, making it even more difficult to obtain antimony.
This price increase is already a reality. Antimony had been reaching record prices, and the new Chinese restrictions only worsen the situation, encouraging the search for alternative sources of supply.
Regions such as Europe and the United States, which were already concerned about dependence on Chinese exports, are now forced to explore new options, such as Tajikistan, Vietnam, Myanmar and India.
The reasons behind the Chinese decision
According to Reuters, the imposition of these restrictions reflects the concern of China with national security and maintaining control over critical resources.
By ensuring that the export of dual-use products (with civil and military applications) is limited, the Chinese government ensures that these resources are not used against its own strategic interests.
The decision is also part of a larger effort by China to control its supply chain. In a world increasingly dependent on advanced technologies and with high demand for resources such as antimony, Beijing appears determined to protect its reserves and ensure that they serve national interests first.
Global consequences: who wins and who loses?
The impact of this measure could be devastating for several industries around the world. With known antimony reserves capable of meeting demand for only another 24 years, the situation becomes even more critical with high demand from the solar and military sectors.
Furthermore, new environmental regulations and the decline in the quality of the ore extracted further complicate the scenario..
Moreover, Countries that can explore new sources of antimony can benefit this scarcity scenario. The search for alternatives to Chinese supplies could open new opportunities for countries such as Tajikistan and Vietnam, which have significant reserves of this metal.
What to expect from the future?
Chinese restrictions raise important questions about the future of antimony production and supply. Will the world be able to adapt to this new reality? Or will the scarcity of this vital resource lead to a global market reconfiguration? What is certain is that the next few weeks will be decisive in understanding the direction this market will take.
Do you believe China is right to prioritize its national interests by controlling the export of antimony, or could this move cause more harm than good to the global market? Leave your opinion in the comments!
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I think so. Brazil should do the same. And only export finished products and none in primary form.
There is no technology to do this..!! It has already been blocked before!!..purposefully.. lack of investment in technology..
IF YOU THINK SO, DON'T VOTE FOR WHO BOLSONARO SUPPORTS, BECAUSE THIS IS HIS THINKING
The fight is destroying Brazil and only a blind person or a **** doesn't see it.
Out squid..
You must be a ****, Bolsonaro has always blocked China from buying areas of Brazil, including agribusiness. You PT members can't get him out of your head, you bunch of alienated ****. Give him the ku.
We make sure!
China is interested in Bahia. It seems that it has stibnite there, from which antimony is extracted.
China has interests in the WHOLE world, after this article, I think:
“Fasten your seatbelts because the plane is going to crash”
Let's stop supplying them with niobium too.
Hahaha….China holds 1/3 of the capital of CBMM, the main supplier of Niobium on the planet is located in Araxá, Minas Gerais…..the acquisition of part of CBMM was a few years ago. The Chinese have vision for the future.
IT WOULD BE GREAT BUT THE PEOPLE ELECT A SURRENDER GOVERNMENT LIKE BOLSONARO
Haha ...