By Atoyebi Nike
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to ease trade tensions after what Trump described as “very productive” talks in South Korea.
Speaking after the meeting, Trump announced that the United States would lower tariffs on Chinese imports, adding that both nations were “close to signing a trade deal.” He hailed the meeting as a “breakthrough moment” following months of renewed economic friction.
Trump also revealed that China had agreed to grant the US greater access to its rare earth minerals, key components in electronics and defence industries. “Beijing will give us better access to rare earths,” Trump said, describing the move as a win for American manufacturing.
China, in a more restrained statement, confirmed that both countries reached “a consensus to resolve major trade issues,” calling the discussions “constructive and forward-looking.”
However, talks over the sale of TikTok’s US operations remain unresolved. Analysts say both leaders are eager to stabilise relations amid global economic uncertainty.
