Updated
Updated · CNBC · Sep 23
U.S.-China Trade Truce Advances Unevenly on 25 Million Tons, 200 Jets and Rare Earths
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Sep 23

U.S.-China Trade Truce Advances Unevenly on 25 Million Tons, 200 Jets and Rare Earths

3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Sep 23

Summary

  • China has bought nearly half of its 25 million-ton annual U.S. soybean commitment, making soybeans the clearest sign of movement before Thursday’s Trump-Xi summit in Washington.
  • That progress contrasts with Boeing, where U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said about 140 aircraft were in a "good state" and 10 more orders were being drafted, but buyers and delivery schedules remain undisclosed.
  • Rare earths remain the murkiest test: Chinese magnet shipments to the U.S. fell to 512 metric tons in August, down 20% from July, while some U.S. firms have waited more than six months for export licenses.
  • Analysts said the truce is working mainly to keep trade flowing and avoid renewed escalation, with both sides still guarding strategic leverage in rare earths and advanced semiconductors.

Insights

With soybean purchases masking stalled aircraft orders, is Beijing simply buying time to weaponize its rare earth dominance against the West?
As China tightens its grip on vital chip-making materials, can the U.S. secure its supply chain before the trade truce collapses?
Will the Trump-Xi summit stabilize global markets, or secretly accelerate the race to control the future of technology and critical minerals?