tungsten

China’s export controls on tungsten are causing supply chain disruptions for Japan’s AI chip industry, with two major Japanese chemical manufacturers potentially halting production of tungsten hexafluoride, a critical semiconductor precursor. Prices for the gas have surged over 200% year-on-year due to supply bottlenecks and rising demand.

Simultaneous wars in Ukraine and Iran have depleted sources of tungsten, a critical metal for munitions and industrial production. The depletion has caused a supply shock in a material essential for war efforts extending beyond the Iran conflict.

China's increased demand for US tungsten has driven up prices and led to calls for restricting sales of the mineral to overseas buyers. The situation highlights tungsten's role as a critical resource for national security.

DR Congo added lithium, niobium, tantalum, tungsten, and uranium to a higher 10% royalty tax bracket to increase revenue from natural resources. The move follows similar strategies by other African nations, including Ghana's sliding-scale gold royalties and Zimbabwe's lithium export suspension.

A surge in U.S. stock market listings by mining firms, particularly Canadian and Australian companies, reflects growing defense-driven demand for critical minerals like tungsten, rare earths, and antimony. These firms are explicitly targeting military applications, securing Pentagon contracts and funding to reduce reliance on China's supply chains.

China controls tungsten, a critical metal for military applications, prompting the U.S. to seek alternative sources. Almonty Industries' Sangdong tungsten mine in South Korea is highlighted as a potential resource.

The European Union has selected tungsten, rare earths, and gallium for its first joint critical mineral stockpile to reduce dependence on China. The EU is negotiating with major ports, including Rotterdam in the Netherlands, to store these minerals as part of efforts to insulate its economy from Beijing's production dominance.

An American company in South Korea is mining tungsten, a critical mineral for weapons and ammunition, as U.S. demand increases due to trade tensions with China and the war with Iran.

China's exports of tungsten to Japan have decreased by half due to increased regulatory controls. The reduction is attributed to stricter export policies implemented by China.