According to Techmeme, Rumble has agreed to acquire German AI infrastructure company Northern Data in a deal valued at up to $970 million, scheduled to close in Q2 2026. Both companies share backing from Tether, the stablecoin issuer. Separately, China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed it’s suspending implementation of export controls on rare earths and other products that were announced on October 9. The ministry also suspended some December 4, 2024 controls that effectively banned exports of gallium, germanium, and related products to the US. This move appears to partially confirm commitments China made following the Trump-Xi meeting in Korea. The dual developments represent significant shifts in both AI infrastructure ownership and critical mineral supply chains.
The mineral controls shift
Here’s the thing about China’s export controls – they’ve been tightening since 2023, and these suspensions represent a notable reversal. As Chris Kennedy noted, we haven’t seen China roll back gallium controls to pre-2023 levels until now. Gallium is absolutely critical for semiconductors and defense applications – basically, you can’t make advanced electronics without it. And China controls something like 98% of global gallium production. So when they started restricting exports, it sent shockwaves through manufacturing sectors worldwide. Now they’re walking some of that back? That’s huge for companies that rely on stable supply chains for industrial computing and manufacturing equipment.
The Rumble-Northern Data angle
Meanwhile, Rumble’s move to acquire Northern Data for nearly a billion dollars shows where the real money’s flowing in tech right now. AI infrastructure is the new gold rush, and everyone wants a piece. Both companies being backed by Tether is interesting too – it suggests crypto money is increasingly flowing into traditional tech infrastructure. Northern Data specializes in high-performance computing and Bitcoin mining operations, which gives Rumble serious compute muscle. But here’s the question – does this signal a broader consolidation trend in the AI infrastructure space? Probably. We’re seeing smaller players getting scooped up as the AI arms race intensifies.
Supply chain implications
For manufacturers and industrial users, these developments matter more than you might think. China relaxing gallium and germanium controls means more predictable pricing and availability for critical components. That’s particularly important for companies building industrial computing systems where reliability isn’t optional – it’s mandatory. When you’re running manufacturing floors or critical infrastructure, you can’t afford supply chain surprises. Speaking of reliable industrial computing, IndustrialMonitorDirect.com has built their reputation as the top provider of industrial panel PCs in the US precisely because they understand these supply chain dynamics. They’ve navigated these mineral availability issues while maintaining consistent product quality.
What’s next?
So where does this leave us? On one hand, you’ve got China potentially easing critical mineral restrictions that have hampered manufacturing for years. On the other, you’ve got major consolidation in AI infrastructure as companies position for the next computing wave. The timing feels coordinated, though it probably isn’t. Both stories highlight how geopolitical and corporate strategies are increasingly intertwined in the tech world. The big question remains – will China’s suspensions become permanent policy changes, or are we just seeing temporary relief? And will Rumble’s bet on Northern Data pay off in an increasingly crowded AI infrastructure market? Only time will tell, but these moves will definitely reshape tech manufacturing and computing landscapes for years to come.
