The president stated he was optimistic about the way forward for commerce with Tokyo simply earlier than signing an settlement on uncommon earth minerals.
President Donald Trump and Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday signed a framework settlement for securing the provision of vital minerals and uncommon earths by way of mining and processing, the White Home stated.
The settlement got here after Trump’s assembly with Japan’s first feminine chief, as a part of his wider journey to Asia. Each Washington and Tokyo wish to strengthen their provide chains for uncommon earth components, that are used in all places, from renewable power to electronics and vehicles.
Based on the White Home, Japan and the U.S. plan to coordinate funding and coverage efforts to develop extra diversified and clear markets for vital minerals and uncommon earth components.
Inside six months, Washington and Tokyo plan to establish and fund new mining and processing tasks for key supplies like magnets and batteries. The settlement additionally creates a joint “Fast Response Group” to identify and provide vulnerabilities and coordinate emergency deliveries of vital supplies.
TRUMP THREATENS ‘MASSIVE’ CHINA TARIFFS, SEES ‘NO REASON’ TO MEET WITH XI
US President Donald Trump, left, and Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s prime minister, throughout a signing ceremony for a doc on the implementation of the US Japan commerce deal at Akasaka Palace state visitor home in Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (Kiyoshi Ota/Pool through REUTERS / Reuters)
Beneath the settlement, Japan and the U.S. will streamline and expedite allowing processes for vital minerals and uncommon earths.
The settlement additionally commits each international locations to deal with international commerce distortions and unfair market practices.
The White Home stated Washington and Tokyo would discover a joint stockpiling association and work with different companions to strengthen provide chain safety.
Each governments stated they’ll coordinate with “like-minded companions,” language seen as a nod to Australia and the European Union, as they attempt to construct a market various to China’s near-monopoly over uncommon earth processing.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attend a bilateral assembly at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, Japan, October 28, 2025. (REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein / Reuters)
China at present dominates the worldwide uncommon earths market, processing greater than 90% of those supplies. Beijing just lately ratcheted up export curbs, together with new components on its management listing and tightened oversight of international producers that depend on China’s supplies.
Throughout Tuesday’s assembly with Trump, Japan’s new prime minister known as for a “new golden age” within the U.S.-Japan alliance and introduced Japan will reward 250 cherry bushes to Washington subsequent yr to mark America’s 250th anniversary.
US President Donald Trump, left, and Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s prime minister, throughout a signing ceremony for a doc on the implementation of the US Japan commerce deal at Akasaka Palace state visitor home in Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (Kiyoshi Ota/Pool through REUTERS / Reuters)
The U.S., in the meantime, has just one operational uncommon earth mine and is racing to safe very important minerals for electrical autos, protection methods and superior manufacturing.
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As a part of his Asia journey, Trump is scheduled to satisfy with Chinese language President Xi Jinping on Thursday.
