The US and China have struck a deal to fast-track shipments of rare-earth minerals—critical for everything from smartphones to military tech—into America. While China confirmed the agreement, it also made clear it’s not lifting export controls entirely. The announcement gave US stocks a boost, hinting at broader progress in cooling trade tensions between the two economic giants.

Editor’s Note: Rare earths are the hidden backbone of modern tech, and China controls most of the global supply. Faster shipments ease fears of shortages for US manufacturers, but the bigger story here is the thaw in US-China trade relations. If this small win leads to more cooperation, it could stabilize prices and supply chains for countless industries—and maybe even dial down some geopolitical heat.

Beijing announced that the U.S. and China have ironed out specifics to put their recent trade deal into action, building on an agreement struck earlier this month in London. They're calling it part of the "Geneva consensus," though the exact details remain a bit vague.

Editor’s Note: Trade tensions between the U.S. and China have been a big deal for years, so any sign of cooperation—even if it’s just confirming old agreements—is worth noting. But until we see concrete actions, it’s hard to say whether this is real progress or just diplomatic talk.