Smugglers tend to know what's fungible.
From 19FortyFive, December 19:
Key Points and Summary – China has sentenced 27 people for smuggling antimony ingots out of the country, signaling a tougher enforcement phase in Beijing’s export-control push on dual-use minerals.
-The ringleader received 12 years and a 1 million yuan fine after authorities linked the network to falsified customs declarations and overseas partners.
-Investigators say the scheme involved roughly 166 metric tons, with more than half intercepted.
-Antimony’s importance in flame retardants, batteries, semiconductors and defense-related components makes it strategically sensitive, and 2024 licensing rules widened the gap between domestic and overseas prices—creating strong incentives to smuggle via indirect routes, for Western industry and defense....
....MUCH MORE
