Washington : The White House announced the signing of a trade agreement between the United States and China aimed at accelerating Chinese rare earth metal exports to American markets. The announcement was made during an official event in Washington attended by US President Donald Trump, who confirmed the signing without disclosing further details.
A US official said the agreement marked the culmination of intensive negotiations between the two countries held in London earlier this month, during which a general framework was reached to resolve trade disputes. This required final approval from both leaderships. The agreement follows a previous round of talks in Geneva last May, which led to a temporary deal to reduce reciprocal tariffs.
The agreement mainly focuses on ensuring a stable flow of rare earth metals critical for advanced US industries, while also reviewing restrictions on US technological exports to the Chinese market. Rare earth metals are considered strategically vital due to their role in clean energy, defence, and advanced technologies.
Trade relations between the two countries have been strained in recent years, making the agreement a key step toward stabilising trade between the world’s two largest economies. It is expected to ease commercial tensions and ensure industrial needs are met on both sides.