The Chinese government has announced that the purchase of two metals to manufacture electronics and semiconductors will need to apply for an export permit starting August 1.
The two metals are germanium and gallium which are very important in making computer chips, communication equipment, electric vehicles and solar panels.
The move is seen as potentially causing more disruption to an already shaky global supply chain.
Earlier on Monday, China's Ministry of Commerce said it would control the export of eight gallium products and six germanium products.
Although it is said to be aimed at protecting national security and interests, but it is also seen as a response to the increasing restrictions by the United States in restricting its technological progress.
China is the dominant producer of the two metals, producing 60% of the world's germanium and 80% of gallium, according to the Critical Raw Materials Alliance.
As a result of the action, the affected companies began to race to get supplies before restrictions on other exports followed.
