# US Demands China Honor Trade Deal and Increase Rare Earth Supply

Washington pressures Beijing to fulfill Busan agreement commitments amid critical mineral supply concerns.

- **Source:** [Folha de S.Paulo](https://www.folha.uol.com.br)
- **Published:** 2026-11-07
- **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business)
- **Original article:** <https://redir.folha.com.br/redir/online/emcimadahora/rss091/*https://c-level.folha.uol.com.br/economia-sustentavel/2026/11/eua-cobram-que-china-cumpra-acordo-comercial-e-amplie-oferta-de-terras-raras.shtml>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/62af0bce-9b75-46b7-bc17-b741cb37e3d7

## Escalating Trade Tensions

The United States has formally demanded that China fulfill the trade truce terms established by Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Busan last year. Washington expressed frustration over Beijing's failure to meet specific export commitments regarding rare earth minerals, which are essential for various high-tech and defense manufacturing sectors.

## High-Level Diplomatic Pressure

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer held a critical call with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on November 6. The U.S. officials emphasized that future progress in bilateral economic relations depends entirely on concrete results and the immediate implementation of the existing commitments made during previous summits.

## The Busan Agreement Deadline

The Busan truce, originally signed in October 2025, is set to expire on January 10, 2027. Following a meeting between the two leaders in Washington last September, the deadline was extended by two months. Negotiators have struggled to resolve persistent disagreements, placing the future of the trade agreement at significant risk.

## Rare Earth Supply Concerns

U.S. authorities report that China has fulfilled only two-thirds of its Busan promise regarding rare earth supplies. Furthermore, concerns are rising over Chinese export restrictions on yttrium, a vital mineral for jet engines and missiles. Japanese companies have already warned their government that domestic stockpiles are reaching dangerously low levels.

## Mixed Compliance Results

While the United States acknowledges that China is honoring its promises regarding soybean purchases, it remains dissatisfied with other agricultural commitments. Beijing has rejected allegations of non-compliance, maintaining that both sides must work toward mutual benefits. The Chinese embassy stated it would issue a formal response at an appropriate time.

## Upcoming Strategic Meetings

The trade dispute is expected to be a focal point during upcoming high-level interactions. Presidents Trump and Xi are scheduled to meet at the Apec summit in Shenzhen later this month, followed by a potential G20 meeting in Miami this December. Officials plan to hold in-person talks before these summits.

## Diplomatic Stance Analysis

Experts note that Washington is using incisive diplomatic language to signal that it will not negotiate new concessions until existing promises are kept. Analysts suggest that if both nations cannot reach a consensus on previous agreements, extending the current trade truce will become significantly more complicated for both global powers.

## Strategic Economic Impact

The standoff highlights the fragility of global supply chains for critical minerals. As the U.S. prioritizes these resources for national security and industrial manufacturing, the inability to secure consistent supply from China creates uncertainty. The situation remains a high-stakes test of the current administration's ability to enforce international trade agreements.

## Sources covering this story

- https://redir.folha.com.br/redir/online/emcimadahora/rss091/*https://c-level.folha.uol.com.br/economia-sustentavel/2026/11/eua-cobram-que-china-cumpra-acordo-comercial-e-amplie-oferta-de-terras-raras.shtml — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
