Download the app
← Latest news

US China talks set to hinge on semiconductors and rare earth leverage in Trump Xi summit

International
Published on 14 May 2026
US China talks set to hinge on semiconductors and rare earth leverage in Trump Xi summit

Rare earth imports swing from millions to near zero

A Rubix Data Sciences report says Trump and Xi’s US China summit will be dominated by trade and technology, with semiconductors, rare earth minerals, aerospace, and farm goods shaping the agenda. The US is expected to seek higher Chinese purchases of aircraft, soybeans, and beef, while China is likely to press for relief from US restrictions on advanced chip-making. Semiconductor exports fell from $12 billion in 2021 to $5 billion in 2023, then recovered to nearly $10 billion in 2025. Rare earth imports also fluctuated sharply, reflecting leverage and supply-chain risk. Overall trade has been shrinking.

  • Semiconductors are the central bargaining chip for both sides
  • US push: higher Chinese buys of aircraft, soybeans, and beef
  • China push: easing US limits on advanced chip technology
  • US electronic integrated circuit exports to China fell to $5B in 2023
  • Rare earth metal imports from China dropped to $4M in 2024
Read the full story at The Economic Times

This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on The Economic TimesThe Economic Times

The full experience is on mobile.

Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.