WASHINGTON -- The United States and China have reached an agreement — again — to deescalate trade tensions. But details are scarce, and the latest pact leaves major issues between the world's two biggest economies unresolved.

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.

The deal involves loosening exports of rare earths to the United States and the lifting of some restrictions on U.S. goods to China, China’s Ministry of Commerce said.