US and China Trade Talks: Handshake Deal and Mineral Delays

U.S.-China Trade Talks in London: A Handshake Agreement and Slower-Than-Expected Mineral Releases The United States and China held a meeting in London on June 9, 2025, to discuss trade negotiations. The talks centered around a previous agreement where the U.S. would lower tariffs on critical minerals in exchange for increased exports from China. According to National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, the primary goal of the London meeting was to solidify the agreement with a "handshake." However, Hassett noted that the release of these crucial minerals has been proceeding more slowly than some companies anticipated. "The purpose of the meeting today is to make sure that they're serious, but to literally get handshakes from our three lead trade negotiators and get this thing behind us," Hassett stated in the interview. The slower-than-expected release of these minerals highlights the complexities of international trade agreements and the challenges in ensuring timely implementation. The situation underscores the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between the U.S. and China to address these critical issues. The ongoing negotiations are significant for both countries' economies and global supply chains.