Despite Export Deal, Further Delays in China’s Rare-Earth Shipments Could Trigger Renewed Trade Clash

After six weeks of stalling, Beijing renews promise to unblock rare-earth flows; analysts warn any new holdup could inflame an already tense trade standoff.

Cargo ships loaded with rare earth soil for export in China in 2012. tab62/shutterstock

Washington and Beijing, on June 26, appeared to have finalized a deal meant to unblock rare-earth exports from China, more than six weeks after China first made the offer.

President Donald Trump said Thursday that the agreement was “signed”; hours later, on Friday, China’s Commerce Ministry issued a statement pledging to “review and approve applications for the export of eligible controlled items in accordance with the law.”