EU Is Pushing China to Narrow the Scope of Metal Export Controls

European Union officials are working to narrow the scope of export controls that China announced this week on two key metals used in semiconductors, solar panels and electric vehicles, according to people familiar with the matter.

The EU wants to make sure that export restrictions on the two metals are based on clear security implications and comply with World Trade Organization rules, said the people, who are not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. A press officer for the European Commission didn’t immediately comment on the bloc’s response.

China announced Monday that it would restrict exports of gallium and ...