U.S. President Trump and China’s Xi Agree to Restart Rare Earth Flows

On June 6, 2025, U.S. President Trump announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping had agreed to resume exports of rare earth minerals and magnets to the United States following a pivotal 90-minute phone call between the two leaders. This move came after China had imposed strict export controls in April, halting shipments and triggering shortages that disrupted U.S. automotive, electronics, and defense supply chains. In response to the phone call, China granted temporary export licenses to suppliers serving major U.S. automakers, including General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, while acknowledging that longer-term stability hinges on sustained policy consistency and regulatory clarity.