Chinese Exports of 2 Critical Minerals Plunge Despite Rebound of Rare Earths

China is reluctant to lift the export ban on germanium and antimony, which are are used in weapons, telecommunications, and solar cells.

Workers transport soil containing rare earth elements for export at a port in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, China, on Oct. 31, 2010. Reuters

China’s exports of two key minerals, germanium and antimony, have fallen sharply, despite its rare earths exports rebound sharply after reaching a trade deal with the United States.

Observers say the Chinese communist regime is still trying to control the critical elements used in the high tech sector, as the competition with the United States continues.