Why looming US-China trade talks could hinge on an obscure metal: gallium
South China Morning Post
by Kandy WongFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The US-China trade relationship is set to face a critical test as negotiations loom over access to gallium, an obscure but vital metal essential for high-tech industries. With China’s export suspension on gallium set to expire in November, the United States faces a potential resurgence of restrictions that could strain trade talks. Gallium, a key component in semiconductors, solar cells, and electric cars, is predominantly produced by China, which controls nearly 99% of global primary production. The U.S., entirely reliant on imports for its gallium needs, sources over 95% from China, making it highly vulnerable to supply disruptions.
The situation is reminiscent of past trade tensions when Beijing restricted exports of strategic materials like rare earth magnets, causing shortages for major Western firms. In November 2018, China suspended its ban on gallium and other metals under a so-called "trade truce," but the underlying export control framework remained intact. This means that if relations sour again, China could reinstate restrictions as of November 27, potentially destabilizing U.S. access to critical minerals.
The stakes are high for both nations. For the U.S., maintaining gallium supplies is crucial for its tech and defense sectors, while for China, controlling such strategic resources reinforces its leverage in global
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/20/2026