China is by far the largest producer of tellurium and thus holds a dominant position in the global market. However, it is difficult to determine exactly how large China’s share actually is, as reliable data is not available for several producing countries. According to estimates by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the U.S. agency responsible for geoscientific data and mineral statistics, China accounted for approximately 80 percent of recorded global production in 2025.
Since February 2025, export controls on tellurium have been in effect in the People’s Republic. These controls apply to metallic tellurium as well as certain compounds such as cadmium telluride, cadmium-zinc telluride, and mercury-cadmium telluride. A government license is required for their export. China justifies these measures, among other things, on the grounds of national security and the dual-use nature of the affected products, which can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
The export restrictions are particularly relevant for the photovoltaic industry, as cadmium telluride is used in thin-film solar cells. At the same time, supply can only be expanded to a limited extent, since tellurium is primarily obtained as a byproduct of copper refining.
As a result of Chinese export controls that have been in effect since February 2025, the availability of tellurium on the global market has declined. Since then, exports have required the submission of license applications and the provision of information regarding the end user and the intended use of the material.
These measures are affecting a market that is already small and highly concentrated. Since China accounts for the majority of global tellurium production and the metal is primarily obtained as a byproduct, it is difficult to compensate for shortfalls or delays in Chinese shipments in the short term.
Future supply shortages cannot be ruled out. These could affect the solar industry in particular, as tellurium is needed to manufacture cadmium telluride thin-film modules. Demand is likely to continue to rise as photovoltaic technology expands worldwide.
At the same time, supply can only be expanded to a limited extent, since tellurium is primarily obtained as a byproduct of copper refining. The U.S. Department of Energy therefore anticipates that, without a significant expansion of production capacity, demand could exceed supply in the future.
The initiatives span 16 EU countries. Financing and competitiveness remain key challenges.
Raw material supplies and market access are taking center stage. EU leaders are also set to discuss trade relations next week.
Compared with the first half of the year, the third quarter of 2026 was relatively quiet. Geopolitical factors, including China’s export controls, continued to influence the supply of many critical raw materials.
In Andalusia, in southern Spain, what could become the EU’s first combined mine for rare-earth-bearing monazite, titanium, and zirconium is being developed.
The plans cover 15 rare earth elements and four technology metals. No date has been set for the start of mine construction.
Rare earths, uranium, beryllium, and zirconium are the focus. The projects aim to support Ukraine’s reconstruction following Russia’s invasion.
More than $9 million in U.S. funding has been allocated for further drilling and feasibility studies at Redmoor.
Railways and ports are intended to better connect Argentina’s mining regions to the Atlantic.
On September 20, Chinese customs authorities released a series of foreign trade statistics on critical raw materials and components made from them.
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