US, Japan sign deal to secure rare earth supply chains

TOKYO, Oct. 28 (YPA) – US President Donald Trump and Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday signed a framework agreement for securing the supply of critical minerals and rare earths through mining and processing, the White House said.

The agreement came after Trump’s meeting with Japan’s first female leader, as part of his wider trip to Asia.

China processes more than 90% of the world’s rare earths and has recently expanded export curbs, including new elements on its control list and tightened oversight of foreign producers that rely on Chinese materials.

The US, by contrast, has one operational rare earth mine and is racing to secure minerals vital for electric vehicles, defense systems and advanced manufacturing. Trump plans to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday.

Both countries would consider a mutually complementary stockpiling arrangement and would cooperate with other international partners to ensure supply chain security, the White House statement added.

@E.Y.M