China bans exports of key microchip elements to US as trade tensions escalate

Semiconductor restrictions on China announced by Washington a day earlier prompt retaliation involving critical minerals including gallium and germanium

The Chinese government has said it will ban exports to the US of some key components in making semiconductors, escalating trade tensions a day after Washington announced curbs targeting China's ability to make advanced chips.

Among the materials banned from export were the metals gallium, antimony and germanium, China's commerce ministry said in a statement that cited national security" concerns.