Japan plans to collaborate with the United States on the rare earth supply chain.

The Japanese government will propose to cooperate with the United States on the rare earths supply chain, as a result of China recently implementing export restrictions on these critical minerals. According to Japanese media reports, the plan will include seven different rare earth elements that China has banned exports of, as well as the liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chain that China has stopped importing from the United States. The proposal includes providing technical support for rare earth processing and refining. Japan is not only considering direct cooperation with the United States, but also the possibility of processing these minerals in a third country with relevant expertise and lower costs. The purpose is to address China, identified as the "top target" by U.S. President Trump, and to negotiate compromises between the two countries. Japan's chief negotiator is in Washington for the fifth round of talks, with the focus not only on rare earths, but also on broader trade and economic security issues. Japan's Minister of Economic Revitalization, Akira Amari, is heading to the United States for tariff negotiations.