Fri Jun 27 10:12:04 UTC 2025: **US and China Sign Trade Agreement Aimed at Easing Tensions and Resuming Rare Earth Shipments**
**Washington D.C.** – The United States and China have signed a trade agreement, according to statements from both sides, marking a step toward resolving the ongoing trade war between the two economic giants. The agreement aims to facilitate the resumption of rare earth element shipments to the U.S.
President Trump announced the signing at a White House event, but details were initially scarce. A White House official later clarified that the agreement formalizes an “additional understanding for a framework” agreed upon during talks in London. This framework is centered on implementing the Geneva agreement, which saw both nations postpone planned tariff hikes.
Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick told Bloomberg TV that the deal had been “signed and sealed” earlier in the week.
China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed the agreement, stating that both sides “further confirmed the details of the framework.” The ministry said it would approve export applications for controlled items that meet legal requirements, though it did not specifically mention rare earths. The statement also indicated that the U.S. would reciprocate by removing “a series of restrictive measures against China.”
The agreement follows months of escalating trade tensions. In retaliation against U.S. tariffs, China had suspended exports of critical minerals and magnets, disrupting global supply chains for various industries. The U.S. responded with its own export controls on semiconductor design software and other goods. The new agreement aims to alleviate these disruptions and re-establish reliable supply chains.
The Geneva agreement committed China to removing non-tariff countermeasures imposed since April 2nd, but the exact method of reversal remained unclear.
While details remain limited, the agreement signals a positive step towards de-escalation and potential further negotiations for a broader trade deal.
First Piper 