US Restricts Tungsten Scrap and Battery Black Mass Exports to Secure Strategic Resources
Quick Look
The Trump administration has barred exports of tungsten scrap and lithium-ion battery black mass to ensure these materials remain in the United States, a move analysts say will deprive Chinese refiners of lower-cost feedstock and may prompt Beijing to seek alternative supplies or accelerate domestic recycling, while also using its own export controls on rare earths and magnets as leverage.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The US action follows China's February 2025 export controls on tungsten products that required government licences for exporters, marking an escalation in bilateral strategic resource competition.
With Washington moving to ensure that tungsten scrap and lithium-ion battery “black mass” stay in the United States, analysts warn that the new restrictions will deprive Chinese refiners of a source of lower-cost feedstock and prompt Beijing to seek alternative supplies.
China could also accelerate domestic recycling and use its own export controls on rare earths and magnets as leverage, they said.
The administration of US President Donald Trump on Thursday barred exports of tungsten scrap and battery black mass – the shredded residue from used batteries that can be processed to recover valuable materials such as lithium, nickel and cobalt.
Tungsten, known for its density, strength and exceptionally high melting point, is widely used in semiconductors, artificial intelligence chips, aerospace equipment and weapons.
The year-long directive mandates that suppliers offer 100 per cent of their monthly output of tungsten scrap and black mass to US buyers and to keep the materials within the country.
The order marks Washington’s latest attempt to shore up its strategic resource pipeline, coming after China imposed export controls on a range of tungsten products in February 2025 and required exporters to obtain government licences.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
China may accelerate domestic recycling of tungsten and lithium-ion batteries to reduce reliance on imported scrap
Likely · Within months
China may use its export controls on rare earths and magnets as leverage in response to US actions
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- How will China respond to the US restrictions on tungsten scrap and battery black mass?
- Will the US directive lead to increased domestic recycling capacity for lithium-ion batteries?
- Are other critical minerals likely to be targeted in future US export control measures?
