Electronics · Gallium metal (Ga)

Gallium

China produces 99% of the world's primary gallium. Gallium nitride chips for radar and electronic warfare, and gallium arsenide solar cells for satellites.

99%: of primary gallium is in China
7%: of EU imports of unwrought gallium from outside the EU came from China in August 2026
1: site watched from orbit on OreOrbit
27 Nov: next deadline: China's suspended ban on gallium, germanium and antimony exports to the US is due to resume

Where it is made

Share of world output held by the leading country at each stage. Sources: 2024, USGS 2026.

What Europe imports

In August 2026, the EU imported €696 k of unwrought gallium from outside the EU, 7% of it from China.

China everywhere else outside the EU. Monthly value of EU imports, Unwrought gallium. Source: Eurostat Comext.

Why it matters for Europe

Gallium is recovered as a by-product of alumina refining. Metlen's plant in Greece is described by the EIB as Europe's first gallium production investment.

Key figures

99% of world primary gallium was produced in China in 2024 USGS MCS 2026
77% of EU gallium imports came from China in 2025 Eurostat, via Renewable Matter

Sites on the atlas

Metlen gallium projectPlanned project, Greece

Coming up

27 Nov 2026China's suspended ban on gallium, germanium and antimony exports to the US is due to resume Pillsbury
10 Jan 2027China's extended trade arrangements with the US run out RAWMATERIALS.net
1 Jul 2027Metlen's first commercial gallium output in Greece Investing.com

Options for Europe

EU strategic projects: Metlen BAUX-EU / GALLANT (Greece)
Recycling meets 0% of EU demand today, against the EU's 25% goal for 2030.
New supply on the atlas: Metlen gallium project (Q3 2027)