China’s Ministry of Commerce announced the list of companies authorized to export critical metals—silver, tungsten, and antimony—for 2026 and 2027. The export designations include 44 firms permitted to export silver, 15 for tungsten, and 11 for antimony. This move underscores China’s ongoing strategy to exert control over essential materials amid rising geopolitical challenges and national security priorities.

Export Designations and Market Impact

Compared to 2025, the number of companies allowed to export silver has increased modestly by two, signaling a slight expansion in China’s export capacity for the metal. In contrast, the export quotas for tungsten and antimony remain unchanged, with 15 and 11 authorized companies, respectively. These metals are crucial ingredients in manufacturing smartphones, electric vehicle batteries, military hardware, and other advanced technologies. China’s dominant position in mining and refining these critical minerals enables it to tightly regulate global supply chains through export permissions.

The export controls form part of a broader initiative launched in recent years. Notably, China imposed export restrictions on certain antimony products starting in September 2024, followed by controls on selected tungsten products in February 2025. These measures respond directly to U.S. technology restrictions on semiconductor components and a broader environment of trade tariffs targeting Chinese goods.

Policy Context and Sector Implications

China’s export controls on silver, tungsten, and antimony primarily aim to secure strategic resources critical for national defense and technological innovation. Controlling export permissions enables Beijing to influence international markets and leverage its predominant role in these metals’ global supply chains. Market participants have reacted with close attention, given the metals’ vital roles in aerospace, electronics, and defense sectors worldwide.

The government’s calibrated approach balances preserving domestic industrial requirements with managing global trade relationships. Maintaining stable export quotas for tungsten and antimony signals a cautious stance amid increasing international pressure, while a slight increase in silver exporters suggests moderate flexibility in that market.

Export: Market Outlook

For the 2026-2027 period, China’s export permissions include 44 exporters for silver, 15 for tungsten, and 11 for antimony, reflecting continuity with a modest increase only in silver. These export designations reinforce China’s strategic resource management amid complex geopolitical friction, particularly with the United States. The tightly controlled export framework is expected to continue shaping supply dynamics and influence commodities markets, keeping China at the forefront of critical metal exports for years to come.