China has agreed to address concerns over shortages of rare earths and other critical minerals that stemmed from export controls imposed in retaliation to U.S. tariffs, the White House said on May 17.
In a fact sheet, the White House said China would address supply shortages of yttrium, scandium, neodymium, and indium, which are commonly used in smartphones and military technologies.
The Chinese regime also agreed “to address U.S. concerns regarding prohibitions or restrictions on the sale of rare earth production and processing equipment and technologies.”
China expanded restrictions on rare earth exports last year amid a trade dispute with the United States. In May 2025, the two nations agreed to a 90-day tariff pause, which was later extended to allow time for negotiations. In November 2025, Beijing agreed to suspend the global implementation of its rare earth export controls, according to the White House….