# Global tungsten supply and export restrictions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-tungsten-supply-and-export-restrictions
> Updated: 2026-09-05T09:40:25.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

The global tungsten market is experiencing a significant supply crisis driven by export restrictions from China and the United States. In Europe, prices have increased ninefold over an 18-month period, rising from approximately 12–20 euros per kilogram to roughly 100 euros.

China, which accounts for nearly 80 percent of global production and 85 percent of APT refining, implemented a licensing requirement in February 2025 that limits exports to fifteen designated companies through 2027. These controls are increasingly viewed as a geopolitical lever impacting Western aerospace, satellite, and defense industries. In response, the United States has announced that, effective January 1, 2027, it will no longer accept tungsten in defense products if it has passed through supply chains involving China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea.

To mitigate scarcity of this metal—critical for defense, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and energy infrastructure—the United States has moved to halt tungsten scrap exports, requiring licenses for such shipments for at least one year. Many U.S. corporations have reported delays of over six months for export licenses.

Western companies are increasing inventories and seeking non-Chinese sources through reshoring initiatives and new mining projects in regions such as the U.S. and Norway. Almonty Industries is ramping up production at its Sangdong Mine in South Korea, a project projected to eventually provide approximately 40 percent of Western tungsten production.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: China export controls on critical minerals impact Western defense

China's tightening export controls on critical minerals like tungsten, yttrium, and gallium are disrupting Western defense and aerospace supply chains, prompting U.S. efforts to secure alternative sources.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-export-controls-on-critical-minerals-impact-western-defense

### 2026-09-01: Tungsten supply crisis intensifies as U.S. halts scrap exports

The U.S. has halted tungsten scrap exports as the West seeks to secure critical mineral supplies outside of China, highlighting the importance of miners like Almonty Industries.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tungsten-supply-crisis-intensifies-as-us-halts-scrap-exports

### 2026-08-19: Tungsten prices surge due to China and US export restrictions

Tungsten prices in Europe have surged ninefold due to export restrictions from China and the US, threatening supply chains for the defense and aerospace industries.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tungsten-prices-surge-due-to-china-and-us-export-restrictions

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Cite as: Global tungsten supply and export restrictions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-tungsten-supply-and-export-restrictions