Offers of Minor Metals in Europe (2017-10-13）

Could indium phosphide become a minor-metal issue with major implications at today’s U.S.-China summit? China introduced export controls and licensing requirements for indium-related items in February 2025, while expanding AI datacenter optical connectivity continues to lift demand for Indium Phosphide (InP) wafers, epiwafers and lasers. Following the leaders’ May summit, the White House listed indium among the critical-mineral shortages China would address, without announcing removal of existing controls. Whether today’s meeting will produce further clarity on InP export licensing remains uncertain. SMM believes an improved licensing process could ease overseas supply uncertainty; without progress, tension between rising AI optical demand and constrained material flows may persist.