Tokyo, Japan.- The United States and Japan have signed a new agreement to ensure the supply of critical minerals and rare earths, a move aimed at reducing dependence on China, which currently dominates the global market for these essential materials. The accord was finalized during President Donald Trump’s visit to Tokyo, the White House confirmed on Tuesday.

According to the U.S. government, the agreement seeks to build “resilient and secure supply chains” for industries vital to technology and defense. Both nations will jointly identify and develop projects to fill supply chain gaps involving permanent magnets, batteries, catalysts, and optical materials, with cooperation between public and private sectors to fund and support these initiatives.

The deal follows China’s recent decision to impose strict export controls on rare earths, prompting the U.S. to consider tariffs of up to 100% on Chinese goods. In addition to the pact with Japan, Trump also signed a similar trade agreement with Malaysia to expand U.S. access to critical minerals across Asia, underscoring Washington’s strategy to diversify its sources and secure long-term supply stability.