Beijing has approved several rare earth mineral export applications, a development that may ease tensions between the United States and China ahead of scheduled trade negotiations this week.
Bloomberg News reported on Saturday that the Chinese Ministry of Commerce confirmed the approvals but did not disclose specific details regarding the destination countries or the industries involved. However, the ministry did highlight a surge in global demand for rare earth elements—especially in critical sectors such as robotics and electric vehicles.
In an official statement issued, the ministry noted that it would continue to review complaints and cases related to export applications. This move appears to be a strategic step amid a backdrop of intensifying trade relations and high-stakes diplomacy.
The confirmation of these approvals comes shortly after a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Following the conversation, Trump remarked that there should be “no questions about the complexity of rare earths,” underscoring their strategic importance in global supply chains and advanced technologies.
Delegations from both Beijing and Washington are expected to convene in London Monday, June 9, 2025 for high-level trade discussions. The rare earth approval could serve as a goodwill gesture from Beijing as both sides look to navigate ongoing economic disagreements and reach common ground.
