Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the illegal smuggling of 3,834 tons of antimony oxide to the United States, highlighting the complexities of international trade and the effectiveness of China's export controls on strategic minerals [1][3]. Group 1: Smuggling Incident - 3,834 tons of antimony oxide, not rare earth elements, were secretly transported to the U.S. from Thailand and Mexico, which were previously not major buyers of antimony [3]. - U.S. companies reported illegal smuggling activities, leading to the interception of 300 tons of disguised rare earths, valued at over $80 million, resulting in a significant stock price increase for the reporting company [3][5]. Group 2: U.S. Response and Regulations - The U.S. is accused of double standards, imposing sanctions while simultaneously engaging in smuggling activities [5]. - In response to the smuggling, China has strengthened its laws, increasing penalties for small-scale rare earth smuggling to a maximum of 10 years and severe penalties for larger cases [5][7]. Group 3: China's Export Control Measures - Since 1998, China has implemented strict export controls on rare earths, including quotas and export tax adjustments, making it difficult for other countries to bypass regulations [7]. - China holds 23% of global rare earth reserves but dominates over 90% of the market share, creating a significant competitive advantage [7].