Fact Check: On June 11, 2025, U.S. and Chinese negotiators reached an agreement for China to resume regular exports of rare earths to the United States.

Fact Check: "On June 11, 2025, U.S. and Chinese negotiators reached an agreement for China to resume regular exports of rare earths to the United States."

What We Know

On June 11, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that an agreement had been reached with China regarding the supply of rare earth minerals. This announcement followed two days of negotiations in London, where both nations aimed to ease tensions that had escalated due to trade disputes and export restrictions on critical minerals. According to reports, China has approved "a certain number" of export permits for rare earth elements, which are essential for various high-tech applications, including electric vehicles and military equipment (AP News, Reuters).

Trump stated that "full magnets, and any necessary rare earths, will be supplied, up front, by China," indicating a commitment from China to resume exports (New York Times). However, the details of the agreement remain vague, and experts have expressed skepticism about the long-term reliability of this arrangement (NPR).

Analysis

The claim that U.S. and Chinese negotiators reached an agreement for China to resume regular exports of rare earths is partially substantiated by the available sources. The announcement by Trump and the subsequent approval of export permits by China indicate a temporary resolution to the ongoing trade tensions. However, the specifics of the agreement and its sustainability are unclear.

1. Temporary Nature of Agreement: Analysts have pointed out that while the agreement may provide short-term relief, the underlying issues related to China's export controls remain unresolved. Gabriel Wildau from Teneo noted that "supply cutoffs will remain an ever-present threat," suggesting that the agreement does not eliminate the risk of future restrictions (AP News).

2. Skepticism from Experts: Experts have raised concerns that the deal merely returns the U.S. to a previous status quo rather than establishing a new framework for reliable trade. Myron Brilliant, a senior counselor, remarked that the negotiations seemed to be "negotiating in circles," indicating a lack of substantive progress (New York Times).

3. Source Reliability: The sources used in this analysis are credible news outlets, including the Associated Press, Reuters, and NPR, which are known for their journalistic standards. However, the interpretation of the agreement's implications varies among analysts, highlighting the complexity of international trade negotiations.

Conclusion

Needs Research. While there is evidence that an agreement was reached for China to resume exports of rare earths, the details and long-term implications of this agreement remain uncertain. The potential for future supply disruptions and the lack of clarity on the agreement's terms suggest that further investigation and monitoring of the situation are necessary to fully understand its impact.

Sources

1. Trump says China will supply rare earths, US to allow ...
2. China grants rare earth export permits after US trade talks, ...
3. New China Trade 'Deal' Takes U.S. Back to Where It Started
4. Trump says U.S.-China trade deal is 'done'
5. June-nimeä käyttää 67 ihmistä Suomessa
6. Trump Strikes a Deal to Restore Rare Earths Access