China has announced new export restrictions on antimony and related products, citing national security concerns. Antimony, a strategic metal essential for military applications such as ammunition, missiles, and night vision devices, is crucial for global defense industries. The curbs, effective from September 15, will impact six categories of antimony-related goods, including ores and metals.

The move follows a series of Chinese restrictions on critical minerals and technologies, further straining global supply chains. As China controls nearly half of the world’s antimony production, these measures are expected to intensify competition for the metal, particularly among Western nations striving to reduce their dependency on Chinese resources.

This development has already caused a surge in the stock prices of antimony producers, as industries brace for potential shortages and increased costs. The U.S. and other countries are urgently seeking alternative sources to mitigate the impact of China’s tightening grip on critical mineral exports.