Geopolitical & Trade Relations - Japan's foreign minister urged China to ensure Japanese companies' access to rare earths [1] - The foreign minister expressed concern about Chinese military activity near Japan [1]

Construction delays have caused one of North America’s few rare-earths processors to push back its production goal, just as Western nations struggle to counter China’s control over metals vital to industry https://t.co/KcWXuprTW4 ...

China dominates the supply of rare earths that are essential to iPhones and missiles alike, giving it leverage in the trade war with the US. Here's what to know. https://t.co/OJ1B3ZGYLo ...

Trade Policy & Geopolitical Risk - The US administration is employing a "maximum pressure campaign" to extract more concessions from trading partners [1] - The delay of deadlines to August 1st suggests a need for more political wins to portray trade negotiations as successful [2] - Sectoral tariffs, particularly Section 232 investigations into semiconductors, pharma, and metals, are looming and could be more consequential than reciprocal tariffs [2][4][5] - A fragile truce exists between the US and China, centered around rare earths and export controls, but either side could disrupt it [7][9] US-China Trade Relations - The US administration desires further trade talks with China and greater market access, but China's track record suggests potential disappointment [8][11] - Washington's conciliatory moves towards Beijing may be interpreted as weakness, leading China to push for more concessions [9] - President Trump has indicated a potential additional 10% tariff in response to perceived anti-American policies from BRICS nations [5] Corporate Strategy & Re-industrialization - Companies need a China strategy that considers the long-term and the historical challenges of US-China trade negotiations [11] - The US needs a strategy on rare earths to address its dependency on China [13] - Beyond tariffs, a broader array of support strategies is needed to re-industrialize the United States [15] - The removal of green energy measures from a recent bill hinders the creation of sustainable demand for nascent rare earth projects [14]

Shares of two of the biggest U.S. rare earths producers, MP Materials and USA Rare Earth, slumped Friday after officials from the White House and China confirmed the framework of a new trade deal. https://t.co/axw4iCX75A ...

China pledged to approve export applications for rare earths to the U.S., potentially easing a major irritant in the countries’ trade negotiations https://t.co/XTJ70uIjCi ...

China confirmed details of a trade framework with Washington under which it will deliver key rare earths: Here is your Evening Briefing. https://t.co/6GnWaBpkRq ...

Rare Earth Metals Market Concentration - 92% of the world's rare earth magnets come from China [1] - Rare earth metals are found in trace amounts in the earth's crust, a few parts per million [1] Supply Chain Dominance - China has built a complete and cost-effective supply chain for rare earth magnets, from mining to final product [2] - This makes it difficult for other countries to compete in the neodymium market [2] Key Metals - Neodymium is a key rare earth metal used in permanent magnets for wind turbines and electric car motors [1][2]

IPO and Market Dynamics - Integrity Specialty Insurance celebrated an IPO at NASDAQ [1] - Chime, a consumer financial technology company, also had an IPO [1] - Market experienced a lower open at 6022 [1] Trade and Export Controls - Discussion revolves around rare earth licenses, with potential revisiting in six months [2] - Focus shifts from tariffs to export controls on both Chinese rare earths and US chips [2] - China requested leniency on chip export controls, denied for defense but potentially granted for other products like airplanes [2]

Would you say, Harvey, that the trade spat essentially is about critical minerals and it really is about supply chain warfare. Actually, there are two elements to this. And you are exactly right, because this is an issue that has been going on for probably 20 years.The Chinese, to their credit, have used a long term strategy. And many 15, 40 years ago, they dropped the price of rare earths substantially and made it easy for Western countries to get their supply and to be able to simply order and have it del ...