China's Mineral Export Ban Escalates US Trade Tensions

China has banned the export of key minerals like antimony, gallium, germanium, and graphite to the U.S., escalating trade tensions following the Biden administration's restrictions on semiconductor exports to China. These minerals are crucial for various technologies, including semiconductors and electric vehicle batteries. The move highlights the ongoing trade conflict between the two nations, which is expected to intensify with President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming second term, during which he has promised further tariffs on Chinese imports.