Trump and Xi Jinping Likely to Hold Talks Soon on Critical Minerals Trade Dispute, Aides Say

 

Amid ongoing tensions over trade and supply chains, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to speak soon to address their disputes over critical minerals, according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

The dispute centers on China’s withholding of essential mineral products, vital for global industrial supply chains, which Trump accused China of doing in violation of previous agreements. Trump claims China is not holding up its end of a deal to mutually roll back tariffs and trade restrictions related to these key resources.

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Bessent emphasized that the upcoming conversation is expected to “iron out” the issues, though there is some uncertainty about whether the withholding is a technical glitch or an intentional action by China. He also mentioned that tensions over the minerals are part of broader trade discussions, including a recent Geneva agreement on tariffs.

While China indicated in April that the leaders had not spoken recently, U.S. officials, including White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett, suggest that a call is imminent. Hassett expressed confidence that Trump and Xi will have a productive dialogue about trade negotiations soon.