BEIJING (Reuters) - China will ban exports of 'dual-use items' related to gallium, germanium, antimony and superhard materials to the United States that take effect from Tuesday, the commerce ministry said.

It also requires stricter review for end-user and end-usage for graphite dual-use items shipped to the U.S.

The move comes after the United States launched on Monday its third crackdown in three years on China's semiconductor industry, curbing exports to 140 companies, including chip equipment maker Naura Technology Group.