China Approves Licences for Rare Metal Exports

[T0@st]

The Chinese government introduced restrictions on the export of gallium and germanium (plus their chemical compounds)—both crucial materials in the computer chip manufacturing process—a couple of months ago. Big players within the semiconductor industry shrugged this off as a minor inconvenience, and simply shifted to more expensive sources. Prior to an August 1 implementation of new rulings, according to Reuters, China exported 36.48 metric tons of germanium, and 22.72 tons of gallium (starting January 2023). Customers were in a rush to acquire as much material as possible, before the "cut off" date—so 8.63 tons of germanium and 5.15 tons of gallium got shifted overseas throughout July.

Reuters has kept a watchful eye on the situation since then—its latest report states that "China's exports of germanium and gallium items plunged in August, the first month of the export controls, customs data showed on Wednesday (September 20)." A Ministry of Commerce spokesman, He Yadong, last week revealed that his department will be granting a limited number of export licenses to interested parties, on the condition that these local companies "meet relevant requirements." An undisclosed percentage of submitted applications have already received government approval. Signed paperwork reportedly gives the thumbs up to "dual use" purposes, implying that potential customers are in the military and civilian fields.



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[ARF]

These are sanctions against US military companies which send weapons to separatistic ROC, which introduces a threat for the Chinese territorial integrity.
The annoying thing is official US both supports the one China declaration, and at the same time doesn't respect the Beijing rules and has actions which are considered as hostile by the Chinese government.

 

[shoskunk]

This too shall pass. Stance or whatever..

Standard and business news outlets are stating China's economy is in danger of collapse (includes import/export) and then we get this as a response?

No doubt China, and the rest of the world, are experincing post-covid changes. I'd bet a dollar this blows over near-term.

 

[R-T-B]

These are sanctions against US military companies which send weapons to separatistic ROC, which introduces a threat for the Chinese territorial integrity.

Honestly there is no threat to "territorial integrity" beyond "Taiwan is going to govern itself separately, as it already is."

 

[ARF]

Honestly there is no threat to "territorial integrity" beyond "Taiwan is going to govern itself separately, as it already is."

I don't think there is anything so special about it, so you would want its relative "independance". Independance is forbidden, and that's why you get these sanctions.
When TSMC shuts down the relatively newer nodes like 2nm and 3nm, you will lose interest in it altogether

 

[R-T-B]

Independance is forbidden, and that's why you get these sanctions.

But still effectively happens, everyday. That's the fact of the matter. They can do lipservice about being part of china, but fact is they are independently governed and even the PROC knows this. If they are essential to "Territorial Integrity", well, that ship sailed.

When TSMC shuts down the relatively newer nodes like 2nm and 3nm, you will lose interest in it altogether

Why on earth would that change anything? There'll always be a new node.

 

[ARF]

Why on earth would that change anything? There'll always be a new node.

That's a very unexpected statement from a person who is supposed to be an enthusiast. You know physics and the transistors are made of atoms, and the atoms have finite size, which means you can't shrink them down infinitely. So, no, there will not always be a new node.
I bet 2nm is the last one.

 

[R-T-B]

That's a very unexpected statement from a person who is supposed to be an enthusiast. You know physics and the transistors are made of atoms, and the atoms have finite size, which means you can't shrink them down infinitely. So, no, there will not always be a new node.
I bet 2nm is the last one.

2nm isn't even close to the atomic limits. And 2nm isn't even 2nm.

There'll be quantum when that runs out. Progress marches on.

 

[ARF]

There'll be quantum when that runs out. Progress matches on.

Yes, there will be quantum but made in Russia, not by TSMC

 

[R-T-B]

Yes, there will be quantum but made in Russia, not by TSMC

lol, highly doubt that. I'd bet on mainland China before Russia.