🇨🇳 China’s New Export Restriction Choke Hold on Critical U.S. Ammunition Components, Are You Prepared?

[JaySmith]

https://www.ammoland.com/2024/09/chinas ... -prepared/

China’s New Export Restriction Choke Hold on Critical U.S. Ammunition Components, Are You Prepared?

The recent decision by China to halt the export of two critical components —nitrocellulose and antimony— has raised alarms within the U.S. ammunition manufacturing industry and among defense experts. These materials are indispensable in the production of propellant powder and primers, and their restriction threatens to create significant supply chain disruptions. As geopolitical tensions rise and global conflicts, like the war in Ukraine, drive up demand for ammunition, the U.S. faces an uncertain future in maintaining adequate ammunition supplies for both military and civilian markets.

This article explores the implications of China’s export restrictions and the broader context of critical material dependencies, with recommendations offered by AmmoLand News contributor John Farnam, a veteran of the ammunition industry, on how Americans can prepare for the coming shortages.

China’s Stranglehold on Critical Materials
China’s dominance in the production of antimony and nitrocellulose cannot be overstated. As the world’s largest producer of antimony, China accounts for nearly half of global production and supplies 63% of U.S. antimony imports. Antimony plays a vital role in the defense industry, from armor-piercing ammunition to night vision goggles and precision optics. Nitrocellulose, or “guncotton,” is essential for making propellant powder used in ammunition.

Without these core materials, the U.S. ammunition supply chain is left extremley vulnerable.

In August 2024, China announced that it would discontinue the export of these materials to the United States. This decision follows a series of similar moves by China in June of 2024 to restrict the global flow of critical minerals and materials in the name of national security. For example, China imposed export controls on graphite and rare earth materials in 2023, impacting industries from semiconductors to electric vehicles. Now, the defense and ammunition sectors are bracing for the impact of these new restrictions.

Antimony’s Critical Role

Antimony is a crucial material for the U.S. defense sector, particularly for hardening lead bullets and creating other munitions. The closure of domestic antimony mines in the early 2000s has left the U.S. entirely dependent on foreign sources, with China being the most significant supplier. Recent efforts, such as the proposed reopening of the Stibnite Gold Mine in Idaho, are intended to reduce reliance on Chinese imports. However, these projects will take years to come online, meaning the U.S. remains vulnerable to supply chain disruptions in the short term.

Nitrocellulose and Ammunition Production

Nitrocellulose, another critical component in ammunition manufacturing, has also become a point of geopolitical tension. Nitrocellulose is used in propellant powder and is necessary for both firearms and artillery. Europe, too, has felt the pinch, as European countries rely on China for the bulk of their nitrocellulose imports to supply Ukraine with ammunition during its ongoing conflict with Russia.

In May 2024, a major nitrocellulose plant in Hubei province, China, exploded, further tightening the supply chain. Although nitrocellulose is relatively simple to produce, its hazardous nature means that only a few companies are qualified to handle its production. With China now restricting its exports of nitrocellulose, European and U.S. ammunition manufacturers are scrambling to find alternative sources.

Impact on U.S. Ammunition Supply
As China’s export restrictions take effect, U.S. ammunition manufacturers are already struggling to keep up with demand. Many companies report that their supply of components, especially propellant powder, has dwindled throughout the year, with much of the global supply being diverted to military efforts in Ukraine and domestic military stockpiles. As a result, civilian ammunition consumers are likely to experience increased shortages and higher prices.

John Farnam, an industry expert, warns that these supply chain issues will only get worse. Farnam shared insights from his connections in the ammunition business:

“Right now, most components are reasonably available, but that will begin to change soon! Two weeks ago, the CCP precipitously announced that it was discontinuing the export to the USA of nitrocellulose and antimony. These two products are indispensable in the production of propellant powder and primers. There are other, lesser sources, but the CCP has always been the main supplier. I predict significant commercial ammunition shortages, starting shortly!”

Farnam’s warning is clear—without access to these critical components, U.S. ammunition manufacturers will be unable to maintain production, exacerbating the existing shortage and driving up prices.

[Walleye Hunter]

Chi Na could cripple us overnight with a trade embargo.

[father-of-five]

Chi Na could cripple us overnight with a trade embargo.

I heard that the US gets most prescription medications from China as well.

Is this the same warning that Vista Outdoors gave back in the beginning of the year? I guess it's time to sell stocks like Ammo Inc.

[Dunno]

I'm still well stocked from the Obama days. I just cycle the new for the old when I buy more ammo to keep it fresh as possible.
I also don't let myself shoot below 1000 rounds of any NATO caliber, but I am stacked WAY deeper than that on the NATO stuff.

I also fell for the great .22 scare so I have over 14k for some ungodly reason.

[Zeke2A]

I also fell for the great .22 scare so I have over 14k for some ungodly reason.

I also fell for this , but I'm only at 7k .22 .....all this for a . 22 six shooter , .22 single shot rifle and a . 22 Marlin 82 DL bolt action

[Dunno]

I also have 4 .22s but I seldom if ever shoot them.
I hope to one day have a small range at the house, maybe then I will shoot more.
I have to admit I am back yo buying but only subsonics now that I have a can.

[JaySmith]

I have about 10k of .22, for a ppk in .22 and a marlin 60. I'll pass that down for about 10 generations or so.

[TDIfan]

Get yourself a 10/22 or if you like ARs, an M&P 15-22. Both are super fun ammo burners. Even more so with a can. M&P is my favorite 22 rifle.