Trump and Takaichi seal rare earths pact, he calls it ‘golden age’ in US-Japan alliance

The United States and Japan on Tuesday signed agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation on trade and securing critical minerals and rare earth supplies, the White House announced as President Donald Trump continued his visit to Tokyo.

According to the statement, the deal seeks “to assist both countries in achieving resilience and security of critical minerals and rare earths supply chains”, reinforcing the economic partnership between the two nations.

A new chapter in bilateral relations

During the signing ceremony, Trump described the accords as marking a “new golden age” in the relationship between Washington and Tokyo. He praised Japan as an “ally at the strongest level” for the US and lauded Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who recently became Japan’s first female leader.

“I would like to realise a new golden age of the Japan-US Alliance, where both Japan and the United States will become stronger and also more prosperous,” she said as the two leaders sat down for talks.

Trump’s Asia visit opens with trade pacts

The Republican leader, on Sunday, signed a series of trade deals and framework agreements with Southeast Asian nations, marking the start of his regional tour at a summit in Malaysia.

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This visit, Trump’s first to Asia since his return to the White House in January, helped ease regional concerns following years of economic strain caused by his earlier trade policies and sweeping tariffs.

During the meetings, Trump also secured commitments for expanded collaboration on rare earths, as Washington works to reduce its dependence on China for essential materials vital to modern technology.

Rare minerals

The US president signed two memoranda of understanding with Malaysia and Thailand, both aimed at “strengthen[ing] cooperation” on critical minerals.

The deals, which lack specifics, come as the United States grapples with restrictions on rare earth exports imposed by China, the world’s top producer of the minerals crucial to the auto, electronics and defence industries.

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(With agency inputs)