警惕！美企竟这样绕过禁令，偷拿中国关键矿物

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by Western buyers, particularly in the U.S., in acquiring critical minerals from China due to export controls, leading to increased trade through third countries like Thailand and Mexico [1][3]. Group 1: Export Controls and Trade Dynamics - China has implemented export controls on critical minerals such as antimony, gallium, and germanium, which are essential for telecommunications, semiconductors, and military technologies [1]. - Since the ban on antimony exports to the U.S. in 2022, significant quantities of antimony have been rerouted from Thailand and Mexico to the U.S., with imports from these countries reaching 3,834 tons of antimony oxide between December 2023 and April 2024, surpassing the total from the previous three years [3][4]. - Thailand and Mexico have emerged as the top three export markets for Chinese antimony in 2024, despite not being in the top ten in 2023 [3]. Group 2: Industry Responses and Market Implications - U.S. companies are reportedly using third-party countries to circumvent Chinese export controls, with some executives confirming they have received restricted minerals from China [3][4]. - The price of gallium, germanium, and antimony has reached historical highs due to supply constraints in overseas markets, prompting companies to take risks for potential profits [6]. - The U.S. legal framework does not prohibit the procurement of these minerals from China, provided that export licenses are obtained [4]. Group 3: Enforcement and Regulatory Actions - The Chinese government is facing challenges in enforcing export controls effectively, with reports of smuggling and illegal activities aimed at bypassing these regulations [6][7]. - In response, the Chinese authorities have initiated a crackdown on smuggling and illegal export activities, focusing on enhancing enforcement measures and cross-departmental investigations [7].