In a substantial escalation of trade tensions, China banned exports of gallium, germanium, antimony, and graphite to the U.S., citing retaliatory measures against recent U.S. restrictions on Chinese semiconductor companies. The ban's implications could significantly affect U.S. industries reliant on these minerals, which are essential for high-tech applications and military use. China's Ministry of Commerce declared the decision in response to U.S. sanctions that expanded export controls on Chinese companies involved in chip-making technologies. Experts warn that ongoing trade restrictions continue to complicate global supply chains and elevate material costs.