Japan and the US will sign a joint document on securing rare earth minerals and strengthening supply chains.
TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and US President Donald Trump are finalising a joint document on securing rare earths and other critical minerals.
The two leaders plan to sign this agreement during their meeting later on Tuesday according to the Asahi Newspaper.
This initiative addresses economic security concerns following China’s recent move to tighten export controls on rare earths.
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Rare earth minerals are crucial components for a wide range of products from smartphones to fighter jets.
The White House had initially planned to impose a 100% additional tariff on Chinese exports in response to China’s dominance in global production.
Washington and Beijing reached a framework for a trade deal on Sunday that could pause planned US tariffs and Chinese export controls.
Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet on Thursday during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea.
They are expected to sign off on the terms of their trade agreement during this sideline meeting. – Reuters
