Trump: Chinese President Xi has agreed to export rare earths

Trump: Chinese President Xi has agreed to export rare earths

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday, June 6, 2025, that Chinese President Xi Jinping had agreed to allow rare earth minerals and magnets to flow to the United States, potentially easing tensions between the world's two largest economies [1].

Trump made the revelation during a press conference aboard Air Force One en route to New Jersey. He stated that Xi had agreed to the export of these critical minerals, a move that could significantly impact the ongoing trade disputes between the two nations. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump's statement.

This development comes after a rare call between Trump and Xi on Thursday, aimed at resolving longstanding trade tensions. Trump described the call as a "very positive conclusion," and the two leaders agreed to resume trade talks that had previously stalled [2].

The agreement on rare earth exports is particularly significant given the critical role these minerals play in various industries, including automakers, computer chip manufacturers, and military contractors. China's decision to suspend exports of these minerals in April has disrupted global supply chains and raised concerns about potential economic disruptions [1].

While the announcement of the rare earth export agreement is a positive step, it is important to note that the broader trade relations between the United States and China remain complex and contentious. Both nations have accused each other of violating previous agreements and have implemented various measures to exert pressure on each other. The inclusion of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in the next round of trade talks indicates that the issue of export controls may be a key area of negotiation [2].

Despite the progress made, the road ahead is likely to be filled with challenges. The differing approaches to trade disputes between the U.S. and China, as well as the broader geopolitical tensions, will continue to shape the trajectory of their relationship. The "three steps forward, two steps back" dynamic in their trade negotiations suggests that further flare-ups and negotiations are likely to occur.

References:
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/06/trump-says-chinas-xi-agreed-to-let-rare-earth-minerals-flow-to-us.html
[2] https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/06/china/trump-xi-call-trade-truce-int-hnk