In recent years, China has been the largest producer of antimony in the world, accounting for more than 80% of global output. However, China has finally announced a ban on the export of antimony, effective from September 15, 2024. This decision has caused immediate concern in the United States, as it relies heavily on Chinese imports to meet its demand for antimony. The impact of China's antimony export ban on the US military could be significant. As mentioned earlier, antimony is a critical component in military-grade batteries, explosives, armor-piercing ammunition, laser weapons, and radar systems. The US Department of Defense has already identified antimony as a strategic and critical material, essential for national security and defense.
The inability to ensure a reliable supply of antimony for military systems could have significant strategic implications. It could force US military planners to reconsider operational strategies, limit the flexibility of forces operating far from logistical support, and potentially compromise the effectiveness of military operations. Moreover, the reliance on critical materials like antimony highlights the importance of securing robust and diversified supply chains to ensure national security and military readiness. If you like the content in this episode, please also check out our other videos on this channel and subscribe for more research on China’s national policy development. That’s all we have for now, and thank you for tuning in.
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