日企急跳脚了！中国断供镓锗后，连美国都绕不开的中国供应链

Core Insights - China's recent export controls on gallium and germanium mark a significant response to Western technology restrictions, particularly targeting the semiconductor industry [1][3] - The new regulations require extensive approval processes for exporting these critical materials, indicating China's strategic leverage in the global high-tech supply chain [1][3] Group 1: Impact on Global Supply Chains - China produces 98% of the world's gallium and 60% of germanium, making these metals essential for modern semiconductor applications [3] - Following the export controls, gallium prices in Europe surged by 100%, while germanium prices increased by over 30%, highlighting immediate market disruptions [3] - Japanese companies, heavily reliant on Chinese imports, face significant challenges in sourcing alternative supplies, with gallium imports from China projected to drop by 85% by February 2025 [3][4] Group 2: Strategic Responses and Challenges - Japan is investing hundreds of billions of yen to diversify its supply chains, seeking alternatives from countries like Australia and the U.S., but faces high costs and inefficiencies [6] - China's export controls extend to all companies, including those outside China, preventing third-party countries from re-exporting these materials to the U.S., complicating global trade dynamics [8] - Japanese officials express concerns over the difficulty of tracking gallium content in products, adding uncertainty to the supply chain [9] Group 3: Financial Implications for Companies - The export controls have led to a 15% drop in Tokyo Electron's stock price, reflecting the financial strain on companies dependent on these materials [11] - Despite challenges, Tokyo Electron has shown resilience by increasing sales of less advanced semiconductor equipment to China, which now accounts for 43% of its total revenue [11] Group 4: Broader Geopolitical Context - China's export restrictions are part of a broader strategy to enhance national security and control over critical resources, with potential implications for global supply chain stability [13][14] - The ongoing tension between technology restrictions and the need for stable supply chains presents a complex dilemma for nations, emphasizing the importance of balancing cooperation and control [14]