🇺🇸🇪🇺🇯🇵 US, EU, and Japan Advance Critical Minerals Trade Pact to Counter ChinaThe United States, European Union, and Japan are reportedly finalizing a strategic trade framework centered on critical minerals, introducing price floors and coordinated tariffs aimed at curbing China’s overwhelming market dominance. According to Bloomberg Law, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) is leading the discussions, with formal negotiations expected to start in April 2026 following a public consultation period ending March 19.The proposed pact—described as a "preferential trade zone"—would ensure fair pricing through enforced reference prices and tariff adjustments. Notably, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is said to be providing technical input on the pricing models and market stabilization tools.This trilateral effort builds on commitments made at the Critical Minerals Ministerial earlier this year, where Western nations pushed for collective resilience and supply chain independence.China currently controls around 70% of rare earth mining and 90% of refining, granting it extensive leverage over global technology and defense sectors. Its recent export restrictions have underscored the urgency for diversified, transparent supply structures within allied economies.#Geopolitics #Trade #CriticalMinerals #China #US #EU #Japan #china #TradingTales 🇺🇸🇪🇺🇯🇵
