美被曝从泰墨转运稀土，超3800吨流失，中方封堵漏洞之快让美破防

Core Insights - The article highlights the significant increase in the import of antimony oxide by the United States through Thailand and Mexico, totaling over 3,800 tons, following China's export restrictions on critical minerals [1][3][4]. Group 1: Supply Chain Dynamics - China is a dominant player in the global rare earth market, controlling a large portion of antimony, gallium, and germanium production and exports, which are crucial for military, electronics, and semiconductor applications [3][7]. - Following China's export ban on these critical minerals in December 2024, U.S. companies quickly sought alternative routes through Thailand and Mexico to maintain their supply chains [3][7]. - The import volume of antimony oxide from Thailand and Mexico between December 2024 and April 2025 exceeded the total imports from 2022 to 2024, indicating a significant shift in sourcing strategies [4][9]. Group 2: Regulatory Responses - The U.S. companies have historically used third countries to circumvent export controls, as exemplified by Gallant Metals, which imports gallium from China via Southeast Asia [6][9]. - The rapid response from China to close the loophole in export controls involved a coordinated effort among various government departments to combat smuggling of gallium, germanium, and antimony [9][11]. - Following the exposure of these practices, U.S. imports of antimony oxide began to decline sharply from April 2025, leading to increased costs and supply chain instability for U.S. companies [13][14]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The reliance of the U.S. on imported antimony, with over 80% dependency, underscores the strategic importance of these minerals in defense and industrial applications [7][14]. - The emergence of Thailand and Mexico as new suppliers, despite their limited production capabilities, raises questions about the sustainability of this supply chain [4][7]. - The ongoing competition between the U.S. and China in the rare earth sector is expected to have profound implications for global supply chains, emphasizing the strategic nature of these resources [14].