Japan Issues Tsunami Advisory After Quake; China Temporarily Lifts Key Mineral Export Ban to US Amid Shifting Trade Landscape

Pacific Tensions and Tremors: Japan Alerts to Tsunami as China Pauses Critical Mineral Export Restrictions to U.S.

In a development marking significant global news, the **China mineral export** landscape has shifted. Two major concurrent events have captured international attention: a 6.8 to 6.9 magnitude earthquake off Japan’s northeastern coast prompted a tsunami advisory, while China announced a temporary suspension of its export ban on critical minerals, including gallium, germanium, and antimony, to the United States. These events underscore the dynamic interplay of natural phenomena and geopolitical maneuvering shaping global affairs, impacting **China mineral export** significantly.

Japan’s Coastline on Alert Following Seismic Activity

On Sunday evening, November 9, 2025, a powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture in Japan’s northern Pacific region. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported the seismic event with magnitudes ranging from 6.8 to 6.9, occurring at a shallow depth of approximately 10 to 20 kilometers. The tremor triggered immediate tsunami advisories for the eastern coastline of Iwate Prefecture, with authorities warning of potential waves up to 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height.

Following the initial quake, which registered a Shindo intensity of 4 in several areas, residents in low-lying coastal regions were urged to evacuate to higher ground. While the advisory fueled concerns, the actual tsunami waves observed were significantly smaller than initially forecast, with recordings of around 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) reported in ports like Ofunato and Kuji. The JMA subsequently lifted the tsunami advisory shortly after 8 p.m. local time, concluding a period of heightened alert.

Authorities confirmed no immediate reports of injuries or major damage directly attributable to the earthquake or tsunami. However, the event did cause temporary disruptions, including a brief suspension of bullet train services along the Tohoku Shinkansen line. Japan, situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” remains highly susceptible to seismic activity, a fact underscored by its advanced early warning systems and disaster preparedness protocols.

China Mineral Export: Suspension of Critical Materials to U.S.

In a separate, yet globally significant development, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced on Sunday, November 9, 2025, that it would temporarily suspend its ban on the **China mineral export** of gallium, germanium, and antimony to the United States. This move comes as a notable de-escalation in **US trade tensions**, particularly following recent diplomatic engagements, including a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in South Korea. This policy shift directly impacts the **China mineral export** market.

The original **China export ban**, imposed in December 2024, was largely seen as retaliation for U.S. restrictions on China’s access to high-bandwidth memory chips critical for artificial intelligence. Gallium and germanium are indispensable for semiconductor manufacturing, advanced radar, fiber optics, and solar cells, while antimony is crucial for military applications, flame retardants, and battery components. China holds a dominant position in the global supply chain for these **critical minerals**, accounting for a significant majority of their refined production. The suspension of **China mineral export** provides a temporary respite.

The suspension is slated to last until November 27, 2026. However, it is crucial to note that the minerals remain subject to broader dual-use export controls, meaning exporters will still require licenses from Beijing for foreign sales. Furthermore, exports of dual-use items to U.S. military users remain prohibited. This nuanced approach indicates China’s intent to retain strategic leverage while signaling a willingness to ease trade friction and manage **geopolitical trade** dynamics related to **China mineral export**.

Broader Implications for China Mineral Export and Global Supply Chains

The concurrent news highlights the intricate web of global interdependencies. While Japan managed its seismic threat with its robust emergency response, China’s policy shift on **critical minerals** offers potential relief to U.S. industries, which had faced supply chain disruptions and resorted to costly workarounds, such as routing shipments through third countries. The estimated economic impact of previous bans on **gallium germanium** alone was projected to be substantial for the U.S. economy, making this adjustment in **China mineral export** policies noteworthy.

This suspension, alongside a similar one concerning rare earths and battery minerals, suggests a strategic effort to navigate complex **geopolitical trade** waters. It offers a temporary reprieve for global supply chains, particularly in the **semiconductor supply chain** and defense sectors, while simultaneously reinforcing China’s role as a pivotal player in the global provision of essential raw materials. The evolving trade landscape and China’s approach to controlling **critical minerals** will continue to be a significant aspect of international news and analysis for the foreseeable future, impacting future **China mineral export** strategies.

Headline and News Integration

This comprehensive report on recent global events demonstrates the critical role of timely News dissemination. The Headline itself aims to capture the essence of these parallel, impactful stories, including the delicate balance of **China mineral export** and international relations.