For those not in the know, gallium and germanium are used in semiconductors, while germanium is also used in infrared technology, fibre optic cables and solar cells.

It is seen as a tit-for-tat move after Washington’s latest crackdown on China’s chip sector.

Beijing’s directive on so-called dual-use items, which takes immediate effect and cites safeguarding national security and interests, also requires stricter review of end-usage for graphite items shipped to the United States.

“In principle, the export of gallium, germanium, antimony, and superhard materials to the United States shall not be permitted,” the ministry said.

The curbs strengthen enforcement of existing limits on exports of the critical minerals that Beijing began rolling out last year but apply only to the US, the latest escalation of trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.

However, Chinese customs data show that, through October, there were no Chinese shipments of wrought and unwrought germanium or gallium to the US, even though it was the fourth and fifth-largest market for the minerals, respectively, a year earlier.

 China’s overall October shipments of antimony products plunged by 97 per cent from September after Beijing’s move to limit its exports took effect. Last year, China accounted for 48 per cent of globally mined antimony, which is used in ammunition, infrared missiles, nuclear weapons, night vision goggles, batteries, and photovoltaic equipment.

China’s announcement comes after the United States launched its third crackdown on Monday in three years on China’s semiconductor industry, curbing exports to 140 companies, including chip equipment maker Naura Technology Group.