USGS: Full Chinese ban on gallium, germanium exports would have minimal GDP impact

U.S. GDP would decline only marginally if China imposed a full export ban on two critical minerals used in semiconductor production, according to a U.S. Geological Survey study published this week. China in July 2023 issued export controls on gallium and germanium, which are used in compound semiconductors found in autonomous vehicles, 5G communications and renewable energy and military systems, sparking fears it could eventually block U.S. access to the minerals. The U.S. imports most of its gallium and germanium...