The USA has signed an agreement with Malaysia to ensure access to rare minerals, essential for the American economy, in the context of recent restrictions imposed by China.

American President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Malaysia to secure U.S. access to rare minerals, essential for the modern economy, following recent restrictions imposed by China. The agreement, signed in Kuala Lumpur in the presence of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, guarantees that Malaysia will not impose restrictions on the sale of these resources to American companies. In exchange, Washington has agreed to a 19% tariff on Malaysian products. Malaysia, which holds 16.2 million tons of untapped rare mineral reserves, commits to developing the sector in partnership with American companies and to accelerate production. The agreement comes amid rising trade tensions, particularly with China, which holds a monopoly on the production of these minerals. Trump also signed a protocol with Thailand to enhance cooperation in the field of trade in rare minerals.