China's Temporary Antimony Export Ban Lift Offers Global Supply Chain Relief—For Now
China has temporarily lifted its antimony export ban until November 2026, easing immediate pressure on global supply chains. The move comes as demand for the critical metal continues to rise, particularly in electronics, batteries, and defence applications. With China dominating production and exports, the suspension provides a short-term window for industries to adjust before stricter controls return.
China currently supplies 48% of the world's antimony and accounts for 63% of U.S. imports. Over the past five years, global demand has grown steadily, driven by flame retardants, solar panels, and high-tech industries. The market, now valued at $2.4 to $2.5 billion, is expected to reach $4.1 to $4.4 billion by 2034–2035.
Under the temporary suspension, only eleven Chinese companies have been authorised to export antimony for 2026–2027. The government will centrally regulate volumes and timing, maintaining tight control over supply. Manufacturers relying on antimony face risks if they delay testing alternatives, as the 18- to 24-month qualification process under military standards could leave them exposed once the ban resumes. Amid this uncertainty, Antimony Resources Corp. is accelerating development of its Bald Hill project in New Brunswick, Canada. The site features a high-grade deposit with a mineralised strike length exceeding 700 metres. A 2025 estimate suggests a conceptual target of 2.7 million tons, grading 3–4% antimony—equivalent to 80,000 to 106,000 tons of contained metal. The company plans a 10,000-metre drilling programme in 2026, expanding exploration into two newly discovered zones south and west of the main deposit.
The suspension of China's export ban offers a brief reprieve for industries dependent on antimony. However, with only a limited number of approved exporters and a looming deadline, supply chain pressures could re-emerge by late 2026. Projects like Bald Hill may play a key role in diversifying global sources before tighter restrictions return.
