In addition to cutting off supply of gallium and germanium, China also has two major trumps! If we fight it out, the West will hurt our muscles and bones

Recently, due to various considerations, we have officially implemented certain controls on the export of two important metal elements, gallium and germanium. And these two metal elements are important raw materials for the semiconductor industry, an important industry in the West

Recently, due to various considerations, we have officially implemented certain controls on the export of two important metal elements, gallium and germanium. And these two metal elements are important raw materials for the semiconductor industry, an important industry in the West. It can be imagined how much industry in the United States and the West has been affected by this measure. You should know that since the United States clamored to "decouple" China economically and launched the so-called "trade war" and "science and technology war" on a large scale, the chip and Semiconductor industry is an important part of the "licensing" of the United States and the West to China.And now we choose to directly counter attack the United States from the raw material portIt can be said that the bottom of the pot is being used.

However, it is quite difficult for the United States and the West to find Import substitution industrialization countries for gallium and germanium in the short term. In 2022,The total global production of primary low-purity gallium is 550000 kilograms, while China's production alone reaches 540000 kilograms, accounting for 98% of the global primary low-purity gallium production. The total proven reserves of gallium worldwide are approximately 230000 tons, with China's reserves accounting for around 80% -85%; In terms of germanium, China's production also exceeds about 80% of the global total production.

Moreover, gallium and germanium do not exist in a single mineral form, but are distributed within metals such as copper and aluminum. Extracting them not only requires a large amount of energy consumption, but also requires significant technical difficulty. Even with the economic and industrial strength of the United States, it is difficult to establish such an industrial chain in the short term and requires a lot of time. Obviously,China's restrictions on the export of gallium and germanium undoubtedly hit the pain points of the United States and the West.

However, in addition to gallium and germanium, China also holds two other trumps in its hands, which, once played, will have a significant impact on the West and the United States. So, what are these two 'ace cards'?

Firstly, industrial silicon.Although silicon is not as rare as gallium and germanium, it is also an important fundamental material for manufacturing semiconductors. And China happens to be the world's largest producer of silicon, accounting for up to 80% of the global industrial silicon production. It is obvious that once China begins to control the export of industrial silicon, the Western semiconductor industry will inevitably howl again.

In addition to industrial silicon, there is another ace that China has not yet played, which is rare earth.

If oil is the blood of industry, then rare earths can be called "industrial monosodium glutamate". In the Arms industry, rare earths play a significant role. Take the F-35 Fifth-generation fighter that the United States is now manufacturing in large quantities as an example,,One F35 fighter made in Made in USA needs about 417kg of rare earth. This does not include the various equipment that needs to be equipped for the F-35 fighter jet. In addition, there is data that suggests that a US nuclear submarine would require approximately four tons of rare earths! Similar to industrial silicon, gallium, and germanium, China also ranks first in the world in rare earth production. According to relevant data statistics,China's rare earth production accounts for 90% of global refining production.

In summary, it can be seen that if controlling gallium and germanium cannot make the United States and the West turn a corner, then our country still has many cards to play. If we continue to play cards, then the United States and the West will inevitably be "injured" in the industrial field!

Disclaimer: The content of this article is sourced from the internet. The copyright of the text, images, and other materials belongs to the original author. The platform reprints the materials for the purpose of conveying more information. The content of the article is for reference and learning only, and should not be used for commercial purposes. If it infringes on your legitimate rights and interests, please contact us promptly and we will handle it as soon as possible! We respect copyright and are committed to protecting it. Thank you for sharing.(Email:[email protected])