美绕开中国禁令狂购锑，泰墨成“中转站”，出口管制漏洞何在？

Core Insights - The U.S. has imported 3,834 tons of antimony oxide through Thailand and Mexico in just five months, nearly matching the total amount imported over the past three years, coinciding with China's planned export control policy for minerals by the end of 2024 [1][3] - The surge in imports raises questions about the effectiveness of China's export bans and whether Thailand and Mexico are acting as "bridges" for the U.S. to circumvent these restrictions [1][3] Group 1: Import Dynamics - Thailand and Mexico are not major producers of antimony, yet there has been an unusual increase in antimony product exports from China to these countries, indicating a strategy of "washing" the origin of products [3][4] - The increase in imports from Thailand and Mexico aligns with China's announcement of export controls on critical minerals, suggesting that the U.S. is using these countries as transit points to bypass direct purchases from China [4][6] Group 2: Supply Chain Complexity - The global supply chain is intricate and interconnected, making it challenging to enforce export bans effectively, especially when products are exported to third countries for minimal processing before reaching the U.S. [4][6] - The presence of Chinese capital in many of the new mineral transshipment companies in Mexico raises concerns about the effectiveness of the export controls [4][6] Group 3: Strategic Materials Concerns - Gallium procurement is also problematic, with U.S. companies managing to acquire it from China through undisclosed channels, highlighting the secretive nature of these transactions [6] - The situation underscores the need for China to enhance its regulatory mechanisms to close supply chain loopholes and strengthen its strategic deterrence against attempts to circumvent export bans [6]