POLITICS

US and Australia sign critical-minerals deal

President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed an $8.5 billion critical-minerals agreement at the White House, positioning Australia’s rare-earth supplies to blunt China’s tightening export rules. The White House cast the deal as months in the making and a step toward reducing supply-chain risk, with officials citing Australia’s mining strengths. Analysts said U.S. firms could tap Australian output soon, but breaking China’s dominance will take years; over $3 billion in joint projects is expected within six months. The leaders also discussed AUKUS, while Trump plans to meet China’s Xi later this month.

Reviewed by JQJO team

#minerals #deal #us #australia #trade