Tag: Rare-earth element

BusinessGovernmentTechnology

US-China Trade Talks Begin Amid Rare Earths Tensions

US and Chinese officials have initiated critical trade talks in Kuala Lumpur ahead of Thursday’s Trump-Xi summit. The negotiations come as Beijing implements rare earths export controls and Washington threatens additional 100% tariffs, raising concerns about renewed trade war escalation between the world’s largest economies.

High-Stakes Negotiations Underway

Senior US and Chinese officials have reportedly begun crucial trade discussions in Malaysia, setting the stage for what analysts describe as a make-or-break summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping later this week. According to sources familiar with the matter, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng are leading negotiations in Kuala Lumpur that could determine whether the world’s two largest economies can avoid a full-scale trade war resumption.

by Oliver Keaton
PolicyTrade

US-Australia Forge $8.5 Billion Critical Minerals Partnership as Trump Backs Aukus Alliance

The United States and Australia have solidified their strategic partnership through an $8.5 billion critical minerals deal and reinforced defense cooperation. President Trump praised Prime Minister Albanese as a “great leader” while offering strong support for the Aukus submarine program during their White House meeting.

Strategic Partnership Strengthened

President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have signed a landmark $8.5 billion critical minerals agreement while reaffirming commitment to the Aukus defense pact during their first formal bilateral meeting at the White House. According to reports, the comprehensive agreement establishes a framework for both nations to coordinate investment in developing diversified markets for critical minerals and rare earth elements, with each country committing at least $1 billion to joint projects.

by Oliver Keaton
EconomyTrade

China’s Economic Expansion Moderates Amid Renewed Trade Frictions with United States

China’s economic growth decelerated to 4.8% in the third quarter of 2025, marking its slowest pace in a year. The moderation comes as trade tensions with the United States intensify following Beijing’s imposition of rare earth export controls.

Economic Growth Moderates in Third Quarter

China’s economic expansion slowed during the three months ending September 2025, with the world’s second-largest economy growing at its most modest rate in a year, according to official figures released Monday. The National Bureau of Statistics data indicates the economy grew by 4.8% compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting the impact of escalating trade tensions with the United States.

by Oliver Keaton