OREANDA-NEWS   The Group of Seven (G7) countries have begun negotiations on a trade agreement on critically important minerals, as they fear excessive dependence on Chinese rare earths. This was reported by Kyodo, citing sources in the Japanese government.

We are talking about strengthening supply chains, for example, by reducing tariffs, creating a new economic zone, as well as imposing duties on certain types of Chinese imports. The negotiations are being led by the office of the US Trade Representative, as the administration of the head of the White House, Donald Trump, strengthens coordination with allies to counter China. Beijing is accused of using its dominant position in the processing of rare earth minerals to exert diplomatic and economic influence.

Prior to that, China tightened controls on exports to Japan of dual-use goods with both civilian and military applications, including rare earths.