Trump Secures China’s Rare Earth Mineral Shipments to U.S. After Key Call with Xi

Sarah Johnson
June 7, 2025
Brief
Trump announces China will resume rare earth mineral shipments to the U.S. after a productive call with Xi Jinping, easing supply chain concerns.
In a significant development for U.S. manufacturing and defense industries, President Donald Trump announced Friday that China will resume shipments of rare earth minerals to the United States. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump shared the breakthrough following a productive conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday.
These minerals, crucial for producing everything from cars to robotics and defense systems, had been halted since early April when China imposed stringent export licensing rules. The stoppage, impacting about 60% of the world’s supply of these critical materials, posed a severe challenge to American supply chains and undercut Trump’s broader tariff strategy against Beijing. With China processing up to 90% of global rare earth materials, the halt was a stark reminder of U.S. reliance on foreign resources.
Trump described the hour-and-a-half call with Xi as 'very positive,' emphasizing progress on a broader trade deal. 'We’re very far advanced on the China deal,' he noted, signaling optimism despite recent tensions. Just days ago, Trump had publicly criticized Xi for being 'extremely hard to make a deal with' and condemned China for breaching earlier trade agreements.
The resumption of shipments comes at a critical juncture, as China’s earlier sanctions on U.S. military contractors and restrictions following arms sales to Taiwan had further strained relations. This move could ease some economic and national security frictions, though the road to a comprehensive agreement remains complex.
As this unfolds, the stakes for American industry and defense couldn’t be higher. Will this be a turning point, or just a temporary reprieve in a long game of economic chess? Stay tuned.
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Editor's Comments
Well, folks, it looks like Trump played a rare card and won this round—rare earth minerals are back on the table! But let’s not forget, dealing with China is like playing chess with a dragon—one wrong move, and you’re toast. Is this a genuine win, or just Xi tossing us a shiny pebble while hoarding the mountain? And honestly, if our defense systems depend on minerals from halfway across the globe, maybe it’s time to dig deeper—literally—right here at home. Call it ‘Make America Mine Again!’
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