The aftermath of the US-China high-tech war: Concerns about a global semiconductor shortage are growing due to China's regulation of semiconductor materials.

August 30, 2024 (excerpt)

China's export restrictions on semiconductor materials are beginning to have a serious impact on the global semiconductor market. In particular, there are concerns about the shortage of two important semiconductor materials, gallium and germanium, which have been implemented since August 2023, and anxiety is spreading among manufacturers and consumers in various countries.

China has targeted two rare metals, gallium and germanium, with its export restrictions. These materials are used in a wide range of applications, including high-performance chips, optical communication equipment, and military optical equipment. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has introduced a new permit system for the export of these materials, stating that it is for the protection of national security and interests.
This move is seen as a retaliatory measure against the United States' restriction on the sale of advanced semiconductor chips and manufacturing equipment to Chinese companies. The United States claims to have the intention of preventing China's military strengthening and artificial intelligence development, while China cites its own national security as the reason, and the confrontation between the two countries is becoming increasingly apparent.