China announced new export controls on global supplies of rare earths and critical minerals, essential for producing everything from mobile phones to weapons.
For a moment, it looked like the relationship between China and the US was showing signs of improvement.
On 19 September, US President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping spoke on the phone after months of silence. It was only the second conversation confirmed by both sides since President Trump was inaugurated in January.
It appeared the relationship between the US and China may be stabilising.
In April, US tariffs on China reached 145%. China’s tariffs on the US reached 125%. This made trade virtually impossible.
But in May, it calmed down, tariffs were reduced, and China’s restrictions on exports of rare-earth elements were partially lifted.
President Trump gave China 90 days for negotiations, and then extended it.
