Recent US-China trade talks in London saw China emerge as the victor. Trump lifted most punitive tariffs on China, receiving only a vague promise to ease rare earth export restrictions in return. China's targeted restrictions on rare earth minerals, particularly dysprosium, proved more effective than previous broader measures, highlighting the limitations of Trump's trade tactics. While the US possesses powerful tools like restricting dollar payments, their effectiveness remains untested, suggesting China's strategic approach outmaneuvered Trump's less precise methods.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.