Batteries, solar panels and nuclear weapons all have one material in common: antimony. As Beijing tightens its grip on rare-earth materials — seen as retaliation for growing trade restrictions and tariffs on Chinese-made products — global supply chains won’t be able to avoid the fallout.
Rare metals prices have surged in recent months as China has started to increase restrictions on exports of the critical materials. But few have spiked like antimony. Last month, authorities announced the implementation of export licences on antimony, with the new measures going into effect on September 15.
Antimony’s flame and heat resistant properties make it crucial in the production of batteries, especially lead-acid storage batteries and those used in cars. It is also used to make other car parts including brake pads.