President Trump announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping has agreed to resume rare earth mineral shipments to the U.S., ending a critical supply freeze that began in April. The decision comes after a tense period of trade friction and a lengthy call between the two leaders.
Key Facts:
- President Trump said China will restart rare earth exports to the U.S., ending a freeze that began on April 4.
- The export halt was tied to new Chinese licensing rules and took 45 days to process, disrupting U.S. defense and manufacturing sectors.
- China controls roughly 60% of global rare earth production and processes up to 90%.
- The decision came after Trump and Xi held a 90-minute phone call focused on trade and national security.
- Trump previously accused China of breaking a May trade agreement and called Xi “extremely hard to make a deal with.”
The Rest of The Story:
President Trump revealed during a press event aboard Air Force One that Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to resume exports of rare earth minerals and magnets to the U.S.
This development follows a freeze in shipments that began on April 4 when China implemented new export licensing rules.
These minerals are vital for U.S. industries, including automotive, robotics, and defense manufacturing.
Trump’s statement came shortly after a 90-minute phone call with Xi where trade was the main topic.
“The call lasted approximately one and a half hours and resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Previously, Trump criticized China for breaking a trade agreement made in May and said Xi was “extremely hard to make a deal with.”
China’s mineral restrictions followed earlier sanctions placed on U.S. defense contractors and reflected Beijing’s retaliation for American arms sales to Taiwan.
The mineral halt served as a strategic economic move that tested Trump’s tariff and trade policies.
"I just concluded a very good phone call with President Xi, of China, discussing some of the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, Trade Deal…" – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/vo9QO7IOWD
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 5, 2025
Commentary:
This is a step in the right direction.
For too long, China has taken advantage of America’s open markets and dependency on Chinese materials.
That era is starting to shift.
President Trump recognized early on that letting China dominate critical supply chains put America’s national security and economic future at risk.
Rare earth minerals aren’t just raw materials — they are the backbone of modern defense systems and industrial technology.
When China halted exports, it wasn’t just an economic jab — it was a message.
Thankfully, the Trump administration responded with strength, not surrender.
It’s important that both nations avoid escalation.
While the U.S. must stay firm in protecting its strategic interests, peace and stability are best served by fair, reciprocal trade.
The phone call between Trump and Xi seems to have yielded a productive outcome, but the road ahead remains uncertain.
America must now work toward diversifying its supply chain.
We can’t let 90% of rare earth processing stay in the hands of a regime that uses access as a bargaining chip.
This deal is a temporary fix — not a permanent solution.
The bigger picture is this: economic freedom and national strength go hand in hand.
Trump’s strategy may have ruffled global feathers, but it’s producing results.
If this agreement holds, it could mark a new chapter of strategic equilibrium between the U.S. and China — one built on mutual benefit, not dependency.
Still, China’s track record with agreements is shaky.
As Trump pointed out just days ago, they’ve already broken one trade deal.
America must remain cautious, watch the follow-through, and keep alternatives ready.
The hope now is that these talks lead to a lasting deal that works for both sides.
The world can’t afford a shooting war between the two largest economies.
A strong, fair trade framework is in everyone’s best interest.
The Bottom Line:
China has agreed to resume rare earth exports to the U.S. following a high-level conversation between Trump and Xi.
This move eases pressure on key U.S. industries and signals possible progress in broader trade talks.
The U.S. must remain vigilant and committed to securing long-term independence in critical supply chains.
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