Trump Goes Heavy Metal: Rare Earths Take Center Stage in Landmark China Trade Deal
Trump Secures Rare Earth Deal With China in Landmark Trade Pact That Prioritizes Critical Minerals and Student Access

In a move that stunned global markets and recalibrated geopolitical expectations, former President Donald Trump declared that the United States has completed a sweeping trade framework with China. The linchpin of this deal? China’s agreement to supply rare earth elements and magnets “UP FRONT,” as Trump put it, in exchange for American concessions including visas for Chinese students and a pause on tightening tech export controls.
It’s a power play straight out of the Trump playbook—bold, disruptive, and strategically timed. The announcement followed intense negotiations in London, where U.S. and Chinese officials worked feverishly to finalize the long-promised Geneva agreement. While the ink hasn’t officially dried, Trump’s language was unequivocal: “OUR DEAL WITH CHINA IS DONE, SUBJECT TO FINAL APPROVAL WITH PRESIDENT XI AND ME.” That message, posted in his unmistakable all-caps style, sent a jolt through the market, briefly lifting U.S. futures before nervous traders pulled back on lingering doubts about the fine print.
Rare earths—those obscure yet essential elements used in everything from electric vehicles to guided missiles—have become the new oil in the 21st century. And China, which controls over 80% of global production, has long held that card close to its chest. Trump’s claim that Beijing will front-load its shipments of these materials into the U.S. adds a potent twist to the unfolding narrative of resource nationalism and supply chain decoupling.
But let’s not pretend this was a one-sided victory. In return, the U.S. will maintain tariffs at a reduced level, allowing China to retain a 10% baseline rate. Meanwhile, Washington scores a far steeper tariff position, totaling 55% when factoring in pre-existing levies, fentanyl-linked charges, and other trade tools dating back to Trump’s first term. Trump framed this as a win for American trade policy, declaring, “RELATIONSHIP IS EXCELLENT!”
