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U.S. Seeks International Partnerships to Counter China's Rare Earth Dominance

U.S. Seeks International Partnerships to Counter China's Rare Earth Dominance

The U.S. is actively pursuing international partnerships to reduce its reliance on China for critical minerals, particularly rare earths. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Trump Administration to build domestic mining and processing capabilities while forming global alliances. The U.S. has signed deals with countries like Australia, Japan, and several Southeast Asian nations to invest in critical minerals projects. These efforts are aimed at undermining China's control over 90% of the world's rare earths refining. The U.S. Ex-Im Bank has also offered significant financing to support these initiatives, including a $900 million letter of interest for a tungsten project in Kazakhstan.

U.S. Seeks International Partnerships to Counter China's Dominance in Critical Minerals

U.S. Seeks International Partnerships to Counter China's Dominance in Critical Minerals

The United States is actively pursuing international partnerships to reduce its reliance on China for critical minerals, which are essential for various high-tech and defense applications. Over the years, China has established a stronghold over the global supply chain of these minerals, including rare earth elements. In response, the U.S. is working to develop domestic mining capabilities and forge alliances with countries like Australia, Japan, and several others in Asia and Africa. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to diversify supply sources and enhance national security. The Trump administration has been instrumental in these initiatives, signing multiple bilateral agreements to secure critical mineral supplies.

USTR Greer says he's open to 'different treatment' of South Africa under trade initiative

USTR Greer says he's open to 'different treatment' of South Africa under trade initiative

By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (Reuters) - U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Tuesday said he is open to treating South Africa differently than other African countries if Washington extends a trade initiative with sub-Saharan Africa that expired in September.

US trade deal with Indonesia at risk of collapse, US official says

US trade deal with Indonesia at risk of collapse, US official says

By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (Reuters) - A U.S. trade agreement reached with Indonesia in July is at risk of collapsing because Jakarta has backtracked on several commitments it made as part of the deal, a U.S. official said on Tuesday.

USTR Reports Positive Progress on China's Trade Commitments

USTR Reports Positive Progress on China's Trade Commitments

USTR Reports Positive Progress on China's Trade Commitments

U.S. Trade Representative Reports Positive Progress on China's Trade Commitments

U.S. Trade Representative Reports Positive Progress on China's Trade Commitments

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced that China is currently adhering to its trade commitments as part of an agreement with the Trump administration. Speaking on Fox News' 'The Sunday Briefing,' Greer noted that while the compliance is not perfect, the progress is moving in the right direction. The trade agreement, which was established to address trade imbalances and improve market access, is being monitored closely by U.S. officials. Greer emphasized the ease of monitoring China's compliance and expressed optimism about the ongoing efforts to uphold the terms of the agreement.

USDA leaves US soybean export outlook unchanged after China sales resume

USDA leaves US soybean export outlook unchanged after China sales resume

By Karl Plume CHICAGO, Dec 9 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture left its U.S. soybean export forecast unchanged in a monthly report on Tuesday as sales to China have resumed after the top importer had shunned purchases for months amid a bruising trade war with Washington.

President Trump's $12 Billion Farm Aid Package Aims to Stabilize Agriculture Amid Trade Tensions

President Trump's $12 Billion Farm Aid Package Aims to Stabilize Agriculture Amid Trade Tensions

President Trump has announced a $12 billion farm aid package designed to support U.S. farmers affected by global trade disputes. This initiative comes as part of efforts to stabilize the agriculture sector, which has been impacted by tariffs and strained trade relationships, particularly with China. The package includes direct payments and subsidies to help farmers manage the financial volatility caused by these trade tensions. Additionally, the Trump administration has proposed a 5% tariff on Mexican imports, which could further complicate U.S.-Mexico trade relations and affect a significant portion of U.S. agricultural exports. The aid package is intended to provide immediate relief to farmers, though its long-term effects remain uncertain.

China's Trade Surplus Surpasses $1 Trillion Amid U.S. Tariff Measures

China's Trade Surplus Surpasses $1 Trillion Amid U.S. Tariff Measures

In the first half of 2025, the Trump administration implemented high tariffs to reduce China's influence on the American import market. Despite these efforts, China's trade surplus has exceeded $1 trillion, with exports surpassing imports by a significant margin. While Chinese exports to the U.S. have decreased by 20% year-over-year, the country has successfully redirected its goods to other markets, including Europe, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa. This shift is driven by China's expanding industrial capacity and government support for manufacturing. The National Retail Federation's Global Port Tracker report indicates that U.S. import volumes are expected to decline through the first half of 2026, reflecting the ongoing impact of tariffs and trade uncertainties.

China's Trade Surplus Reaches $1 Trillion Despite U.S. Tariffs

China's Trade Surplus Reaches $1 Trillion Despite U.S. Tariffs

China has achieved a trade surplus exceeding $1 trillion for the first time, despite a significant decline in exports to the United States. According to customs data, China's overall exports increased by 5.9% in November compared to the previous year, while exports to the U.S. fell by nearly 29%. This decline is attributed to the hefty tariffs imposed by President Trump, which at one point reached 145%, severely impacting U.S.-China trade. Although tariffs have since been reduced to 47.5%, they continue to pose a challenge. In response, China has expanded its export markets to Europe, Africa, Latin America, and other parts of Asia, compensating for the reduced trade with the U.S.

Bessent divests from soybean farmland ahead of Trump aid announcement for farmers

Bessent divests from soybean farmland ahead of Trump aid announcement for farmers

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says he has divested from his North Dakota soybean farmland

China's November exports top expectations, imports underperform

China's November exports top expectations, imports underperform

BEIJING, Dec 8 (Reuters) - China's exports topped forecasts in November, buoyed by a boost from a tariff truce with the U.S. even as weak factory activity and vanishing returns from front-loading point to a challenging 2026.