US chip company triggers material supply disruption as China imposes graphene export controls!

Welcome to VOC - Vision of China,In this episode, we explore China’s recent implementation of export controls on graphene, which has significant implications for the supply of chip materials to the United States. The United States has responded with its own export controls on Chinese AI chips, creating a complex dynamic in the global tech landscape. China’s Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs swiftly introduced export controls on high-purity, high-strength artificial graphite materials and products, as well as natural flake graphite and related items. These controls, effective since December 1, 2023, signal China’s resolute stance in the face of U.S. technology restrictions. Graphite, a fundamental component in electric vehicles, battery manufacturing, aerospace, and military technology, is a critical resource often referred to as a “strategic asset of the 21st century.“ The U.S. heavily relies on graphite imports, with nearly one-third of its raw materials sourced from China in 2022. China’s export control measures extend beyond graphite and encompass resources like gallium, germanium, and rare metals, posing substantial challenges for the U.S. that depend on these imports. The U.S. government’s response involves sending a delegation to China to improve bilateral relations and address chip industry-related matters. This visit, led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, holds strategic significance, especially in light of Micron Technology’s major chip factory construction in New York.