China, U.S. Ink Rare Earth Deal; More Trade Pacts Coming

Washington and Beijing seal rare earth agreement as Trump pushes for 10 trade deals before July 9 to avoid sweeping tariffs of up to 125%.
US President Donald Trump in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC on June 26, 2025. Washington and Beijing seal rare earth agreement as Trump pushes for 10 trade deals before July 9 to avoid sweeping tariffs of up to 125%. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP)

The United States and China have signed a long-awaited framework agreement aimed at restarting rare earth mineral shipments and easing trade tensions ahead of a critical July tariff deadline, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed this week.

The deal, finalized two days ago, builds on terms negotiated during talks in Geneva last month and later refined in London.

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