In 2025, Donald Trump returned to the White House, promising to fix America’s trade problems with China through a tougher trade war strategy. However, just six months into office, things have taken a dramatic turn.

The U.S. is making progress in talks with China on access to rare earth minerals and other trade issues, but an extension to their tariff truce isn't yet final, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Sunday.

The U.S. defense industry is now reportedly paying five or more times the previous price for specific materials and seeking alternative sources, as a direct consequence of Beijing’s curb on exports.