China’s Antimony Export Halt to Europe Fuels 300% Price Surge

China has halted antimony exports to the European Union since October, customs data reveals, following export restrictions that have sent global prices soaring. As the world’s leading supplier, China accounted for nearly half of global antimony output in 2023. The restrictions, first announced in August for national security reasons, took effect in September, triggering a stockpiling rush. In December, China imposed a full ban on U.S. exports of antimony and other critical minerals.

The supply chain disruption has driven European stock levels to critically low points, pushing regulus grade II antimony prices up by over 300% year-over-year, according to Argus analyst Cristina Belda. The Netherlands, the EU’s top importer of Chinese antimony, saw shipments drop from 3,012 metric tons in 2023 to 1,017 tons in 2024, with no deliveries since October.

Unlike previous Chinese export restrictions, where shipments resumed within months after companies secured new licenses, antimony exports remain paused. While China’s total antimony exports fell 24.1% in 2024 to 38,632 tons, shipments continued to markets like Brazil, Thailand, and Russia.

China’s antimony export controls pose major challenges for industries relying on the metal, including semiconductors, flame retardants, solar power equipment, and munitions. The prolonged halt in shipments to Europe raises concerns about long-term supply chain stability and price volatility.