China has resumed gallium exports to Japan after a four-month suspension amid continued relaxation of its rare earth magnet shipments to global markets.

China exported 6,000 kilograms of gallium to Japan in May, making it the country’s sole overseas destination for the strategic metal during the month, according to customs data released on Saturday.

The shipment marked the first resumption of exports since Beijing suspended shipments of both gallium and germanium to Japan earlier this year. Exports of germanium to Japan, however, remain on hold.

The two metals are key materials used in semiconductors, fibre optics, EV fast chargers and renewable-energy technologies.

The export curbs came after relations between Beijing and Tokyo deteriorated last year amid tensions over Taiwan and security issues, prompting a series of Chinese restrictions on Japanese trade and exchanges.

The metals have both civilian and military applications: germanium-based infrared optics are used in military surveillance systems, while gallium is essential for semiconductors deployed in radar and missile-guidance systems.