Rare earths are among the most critical raw materials on the planet, deeply embedded in the technologies that underpin modern life. Yet few people had even heard of them until the eruption of the US-China trade war thrust them into the limelight.

WASHINGTON—President Trump said he terminated trade talks with Canada over what he called an “egregious” digital-services tax on U.S. tech companies, plunging relations with America’s second-largest trading partner back into turmoil.

The U.S. and China have agreed on the framework for a trade deal, both nations say. It appears that rare earth minerals are one key part of it.

President Donald Trump said late Thursday that a deal with China had been signed “the other day.” China’s Commerce Ministry confirmed Friday that some type of arrangement had been reached but offered few details about it.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick listens to Senators speak during a Senate Appropriations hearing, June 4, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/, File)