A licensing system set up by China for exports of rare earth magnets gives it leverage similar to America's chip export controls because of its near-monopoly on the sector.

China has introduced a tracking system for rare-earth magnets; producers have to submit details online on trading volumes and client names, as it looks to curb access

China's failure to lift export curbs on critical minerals, as promised in Geneva, has heightened concerns by carmakers and other firms that rely on rare earths

China's decision to suspend exports of critical minerals and magnets has upended supply chains to carmakers, aerospace manufacturers, chip firms and military contractors

The 'takeover' of US Steel appears to have morphed into a 'partnership' as part of a bilateral trade deal on tariffs, analysts say.

The Thai government plans to build small dams to contain heavy metals in several northern rivers poisoned by unregulated gold mining on land controlled by ethnic groups in Myanmar's northeastern Shan State

Delhi has been keen to do a trade deal with the US but filed notice of a trade dispute with the WTO this week, showing it's unhappy with Trump's 25% tariff on steel and aluminium

Analysts say countries in Southeast Asia like Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia, plus Mexico, who are part of the China-plus-one supply chain, will need to make better deals with Washington. 

Industry sources expect Beijing to ease process for US firms to get export licences for rare earths, while Australia is looking to set up a strategic reserve stockpile of critical minerals

Asian markets rose, while the yuan and the dollar both surged after China and the US both said they have agreed to slash tariffs for 90 days

Second quarter steel shipments are expected to plunge by about 20-30% after the US imposed a 25% tariff in March and other countries involved in trans-shipment followed suit

China seems to be taking leaves from the American playbook as it steps up its retaliation against Donald Trump's tariff war