China will resume issuing rare-earth export licenses to U.S. automakers and manufacturers, but only for six months, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The Wall Street Journal carried the report (gated). In summary …

• The move, a key development from recent trade talks in London, offers short-term relief while preserving Beijing’s ability to tighten supply if tensions flare again.
• In return, U.S. negotiators have agreed to ease some export restrictions on items such as jet engines, related components, and ethane—used in plastics manufacturing.
• The temporary arrangement reflects a fragile truce, with both sides keeping options open to escalate if needed.

The agreement builds on a trade framework reached in Geneva last month, though details are still being finalised. Sources say China wants to maintain control over critical minerals as leverage in future talks.

China is expected to begin approving license applications for U.S. firms shortly after Presidents Trump and Xi formally endorse the deal. Once that happens, the U.S. will begin lifting its own countermeasures in parallel.

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