US, China Reach Preliminary Rare Earth Trade Accord

President Donald Trump announced that the United States and China had reached a framework agreement to expedite rare earth mineral shipments and implement terms from the earlier Geneva agreement, rather than a comprehensive new trade deal. The agreement aims to resolve supply chain disruptions caused by China's suspension of critical mineral exports, which had affected several U.S. industries. White House officials clarified that significant tariffs remain in place and that the agreement is preliminary, with many key terms unresolved. Economic commentators and media outlets have noted that the deal falls short of a full-scale trade truce. Trump also indicated that negotiations with India for a major trade agreement are ongoing, with Indian officials confirming efforts toward a mutually beneficial arrangement. The announcements have brought temporary relief to global markets and suggest a potential easing of some trade tensions.