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U.S. Strikes Southeast Asia Rare‑Earth Deals as U.S.–China Framework Signals Pause on Tariffs and Curbs

Analysts say the steps lower immediate risk, with real diversification dependent on multi‑year processing buildouts.

Image
Image
Workers transport soil containing rare earth elements for export at a port in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, China, October 31, 2010. REUTERS/Stringer ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. CHINA OUT./File Photo
The Chinese and American economies largely depend on trade with one another. But relations between the two nations have been in an especially precarious state lately.

Overview

  • Washington signed memoranda of understanding with Malaysia and Thailand, with related agreements involving Cambodia, to expand non‑Chinese supply of critical minerals.
  • Reuters reported a preliminary U.S.–China framework that could pause planned 100% U.S. tariffs and Beijing’s tightened export controls, with leaders set to review it at the APEC summit in Gyeongju this week.
  • Shares of U.S.‑listed rare‑earth miners fell up to about 8% after the framework report, including declines in MP Materials, USA Rare Earth, Critical Metals, Ramaco Resources and NioCorp Developments.
  • China recently broadened export licensing and oversight on rare earths and related technology and equipment, reinforcing its leverage as it supplies roughly 70% of global mining and about 90% of processing.
  • The U.S. push complements earlier domestic support for processing and magnet capacity, while the European Council said Chinese officials will travel to Brussels for talks on the new export curbs.