Trump says Xi to restart rare earth flows, sets date for talks

FILE PHOTO: Workers transport soil containing rare earth elements for export at a port in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, China October 31, 2010. Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to defuse growing tensions spurred by concerns over the flow of critical minerals needed by American firms.- Reuters

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping had agreed to restart the flow of rare-earth materials, as negotiators from the two nations prepare to resume trade talks on June 9 in London.

The developments come as the world’s two largest economies look to resolve a simmering dispute over tariffs and technology that has unnerved markets. Trump and Xi held a 90-minute call on Thursday (June 5) that saw the two agree to defuse growing tensions spurred by concerns over the flow of critical minerals needed by American firms.