Bypassing China’s critical minerals export ban: US buyers re-routing shipments via Mexico, Thailand, says report
A sharp rise in US-bound shipments of antimony from Thailand and Mexico has reportedly emerged since China imposed export curbs last year, highlighting how global supply chains are being re-routed to work around geopolitical restrictions.According to customs and shipping data reviewed by Reuters, more than 3,800 metric tons of antimony oxides were imported into the United States from the two countries between December 2024 and April 2025 — more than the total volume brought in over the previous three years combined.Antimony, used in batteries, semiconductors and flame retardants, is among the minerals — along with gallium and germanium — that Beijing blocked from reaching the US in December following Washington’s crackdown on China’s chip industry. The disruption has left the global market scrambling for alternatives, and the data suggests a redirection of Chinese-origin materials through third countries.“Trade flows are being restructured, but we’re still seeing the same underlying sources,” said Ram Ben Tzion, CEO of shipping intelligence firm Publican according to the Reuters report. He noted clear signs of transshipment patterns, though current trade records don’t identify the original source material in all cases.The re-routing comes even as Chinese authorities have acknowledged loopholes. In May, the country’s commerce ministry said foreign players had “colluded with domestic lawbreakers” to bypass the restrictions, adding that curbing such activities was vital to national security. It did not respond to further questions about recent trends.Meanwhile, US law does not prohibit imports of Chinese-origin antimony, gallium or germanium, provided they arrive through licensed intermediaries in other countries.One US buyer, Gallant Metals CEO Levi Parker quoted in the report, described the workaround process in detail: Chinese producers sell the material to buying agents, who then ship it through another Asian country under false labels such as iron or art supplies. “I’d prefer to buy 500 kg per month, but large shipments invite attention,” Parker told Reuters, adding that Chinese logistics firms remain cautious due to the risks.Thai and Mexican exports of antimony to the US have soared since the ban. According to Chinese customs data through May, the two countries have vaulted into the top three destinations for Chinese antimony — despite each having just one smelter and no significant domestic mining output. Mexico’s only smelter resumed operations as recently as April.Among the top exporters is Thai Unipet Industries, a local subsidiary of Chinese antimony producer Youngsun Chemicals. Data from trade platforms ImportYeti and Export Genius shows Unipet sent at least 3,366 tons of antimony-based products to the US between December and May — nearly 27 times its volume over the same period a year earlier.The shipment documents name Unipet as the exporter and Texas-based Youngsun & Essen — a previous direct buyer from China — as the importer. However, Reuters was unable to confirm the origin of the raw material. Unipet did not respond to calls or emails, and Youngsun Chemicals and Youngsun & Essen also did not reply to requests for comment.China launched a new enforcement drive in May aimed at halting illegal mineral transshipment. Offenders can face heavy penalties, including bans and even jail time for severe violations. Chinese law also extends enforcement beyond its borders — companies failing to verify the end use of restricted exports can be prosecuted, said James Hsiao, partner at law firm White & Case.Despite the clampdown, the lure of high overseas prices is keeping the unofficial flow of materials alive. With demand for gallium, germanium and antimony surging, prices for all three minerals have climbed to record highs.“Having policies on paper is one thing, but actually enforcing them on the ground is an entirely different matter,” said Ben Tzion, quoted Reuters.
