India, US, China Shift Rare Earth Trade Talks

India and China have initiated talks to address trade and rare earth supply issues following their border tensions, with India considering relaxed localization rules for electric vehicle manufacturers. The United States and China have reportedly agreed to reduce tariffs on each other's imports after prolonged trade disputes, although key export controls on semiconductors and rare earths remain in place. The updated US-China arrangement does not restore rare earth shipments or reverse student visa restrictions as previously reported. President Trump is reportedly considering a uniform tariff structure, potentially raising overall tariffs on imports and targeting Chinese goods at a higher rate. China continues to leverage its rare earth monopoly and increase gold reserves in response. These moves underscore ongoing strategic competition and interdependence among major global economies in critical supply chains.