In a chip war twist, China will restrict exports of the niche metals gallium and germanium and certain of their compounds in retaliation against US and Japan export bans on sending advanced chips and chip-making equipment to China. Beginning August 1, Chinese chemical suppliers must apply for government licenses to export 38 products including gallium nitride (GaN) and germanium dioxide (GeO2), China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on July 3. The metals are used in chipmaking, communications equipment and various defense items. Gallium is used in compound semiconductors, which when combined with various ... (full story)