The Sino-American tech war, sparked in 2019 when the administration Trump had banned Huawei from American 5G networks for reasons of national security, takes a new radical turn. This decision then triggered a series of reprisals between the two powers: trade restrictions, economic sanctions and technological controls have multiplied. Washington had notably banned American companies from selling vital components to Huawei, paralyzing its smartphone division and forcing the Chinese giant to develop its own technological solutions.
Economic strangulation by raw materials
The 228% explosion in the price of antimony on world markets illustrates the power of the new blow dealt by Beijing to the American industry. This surge in prices, a direct consequence of Chinese restrictions on the export of strategic minerals, foreshadows a major crisis for the American technology industry. L’US Geological Survey already puts the potential losses for the American economy at more than $3 billion. This estimate does not take into account the domino effect on sectors dependent on these materials, from smartphone manufacturers to defense industries.
Chinese control over strategic resources
Chinese dominance over global production of essential minerals gives Beijing a considerable advantage: 94% of gallium, 83% of germanium and 48% of antimony come from Chinese mines. These three minerals form the backbone of the semiconductor industry and advanced military technologies. By blocking their export under the guise of national security, China responds to recent US sanctions targeting more than 140 Chinese semiconductor companies. This measure could only be the beginning, with analysts fearing an extension of restrictions on nickel and cobalt, crucial components for the Western energy transition.
The technological standoff intensifies
The battle now goes beyond the scope of electronic chips to extend to the entire technological production chain. U.S. manufacturers, facing a looming shortage of critical materials, find themselves racing against time to secure new sources of supply. There White Housewhich sought to curb Chinese ambitions in artificial intelligence and weapons, now finds itself forced to rethink its industrial strategy. This war for resources is reshaping global economic alliances, pushing each camp to develop independent production sectors. The cost of this forced reorganization of supply chains could permanently transform the global industrial landscape.
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