On May 18, 2026, a deal was announced between the US and China aimed at easing tensions surrounding rare earth supply chains. However, experts remain skeptical about its effectiveness.
China's stringent export restrictions on rare earth elements are still a significant obstacle for US industries, raising concerns about the potential for meaningful change in the market.
Despite the agreement, analysts caution that it may not lead to substantial shifts in the dynamics of rare earth supply and demand, leaving many challenges unresolved.