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How does China's dominance in arsenic supply affect global pricing and trade flows?

Wei Zhang
Published on 2026-08-13

How does China's dominance in arsenic supply affect global pricing and trade flows?
China holds an estimated 3.73 million tonnes of identified arsenic resources, the world's largest, and produces about 24,000 tonnes annually, accounting for roughly 69% of global output. It is also the top exporter, with net exports around 2,258 tonnes. The United States has not produced arsenic since 1985 and relies almost entirely on imports, with China as a key source. This concentration gives Beijing significant leverage over supply chains for high-purity arsenic used in military electronics, infrared sensors, and semiconductor lasers. Any export control policy similar to those applied to gallium or germanium could quickly tighten global availability and lift prices, especially for downstream users in the US and Europe who lack domestic refining capacity.

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  • Yuki Tanaka 2026-08-14 10:41
    Buyers should watch Chinese policy signals closely, as arsenic could follow the gallium and germanium export control pattern. Diversifying supply sources is difficult given the lack of non-Chinese producers, so inventory building ahead of potential restrictions may be prudent for semiconductor and defense supply chain managers.
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