“At the moment both China and Western countries are engaged in a tit for tat, highlighting how protectionist measures often spread. China, which dominates the world’s production and processing of graphite, says export permits will be needed, starting in December, for synthetic graphite material — including high-purity, high-strength and high-density versions — as well as for natural flake graphite. China was the world’s leading graphite producer last year, accounting for an estimated 65% of global production, it said. Gallium, germanium restrictionsThe export curbs were announced as China faces pressure from multiple governments over its commercial and trade practices. In July, Beijing imposed export restrictions on gallium and germanium, two minerals essential for making semiconductors.

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Persons: ”, Stefan Legge, carmakers, Ivan Lam Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Ministry of Commerce, Administration, Customs, “, University of St, Institute for Energy Research, EV, International Energy Agency, Geological Survey, Counterpoint Research, US Department of Energy Locations: China, Hong Kong, United States, University of St Gallen, Switzerland, Washington, DC, Europe, Asia, Beijing, Russia, Ukraine