China has damaged Western manufacturing of microcircuits and military optics.

The FT reports that Beijing’s restrictions on the supply of germanium and gallium led to an almost two-fold increase in prices for these minerals in Europe over the past year. Beijing imposed the restrictions last year, saying they were needed to protect “national security and interests” in response to US restrictions on selling advanced computer chips and the equipment needed to make them. The limits and subsequent export controls underscored Beijing’s dominance in the global supply of dozens of essential resources.

China produces 98% of the world’s supply of gallium and 60% of germanium. And while some large shipments of Chinese gallium are still being made, overall exports have fallen by about half. If the trend continues, there will be a shortage in the market. Germanium and gallium are essential for producing modern microprocessors, fiber optic products, and night vision goggles, so further export restrictions by Beijing could disrupt the production of such goods.

China has also restricted antimony exports, which is a mineral used to produce armor-piercing munitions, night vision goggles, and precision optics.