Beginning later this month, the United States will ban exports of lithium‑ion battery scrap and tungsten waste, a rule published by the Department of Commerce in the Federal Register. The prohibition, lasting one year, forces producers to sell the materials domestically. The move is part of a broader effort by United States and other Western governments to secure raw materials critical to defense and technology that China largely controls.

Beijing has tightened export limits on several key minerals in recent years, sparking global concern. Tungsten, used in tank armor on engine parts for its strength and heat resistance, is a prime example; China is the world’s largest producer and has added the element to its export blacklist. By keeping these materials in domestic supply chains, the United States aims to reduce vulnerability to supply shocks and bolster its own defense readiness.

The policy also signals a shift toward recycling and domestic processing as a strategic priority.