A framework agreement to ensure the supply of critical minerals and rare earths through mining and processing was signed today (28.10.25) by the US president Donald Trump and its prime minister Japan Sanae Takaichi, according to a statement from the White House.
The deal was signed during Donald Trump’s visit to Japan as part of his Asia tour, as the two countries look to strengthen their supply chains for rare earths, which are used in everything from renewable energy to electronics and cars.
The US and Japan plan to work together through economic policy tools and coordinated investments to accelerate the development of diverse, highly liquid and fair markets for critical minerals and rare earths, according to the statement.
The agreement comes shortly after China announced new controls on the export of technologies related to rare earths, to the dismay of the US, Japan and Europe. China processes over 90% of the world’s rare earths.
The US, by contrast, has a rare earth mine in operation and is trying to secure minerals that are vital to the electric vehicle and defense systems sectors as well as advanced manufacturing. Trump is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping tomorrow, Thursday.
As part of their agreement, the US and Japan agreed to streamline and remove restrictions on permitting schedules and processes for critical minerals and rare earths, and to address non-market policies and unfair trade practices. The two countries will consider a mutually complementary stockpile agreement and work with other international partners to secure the supply chain, the White House added.