Trump Announces Framework for U.S.-China Trade Deal Amid Rights Concerns

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States has reached a new trade framework with China, focusing on rare earth minerals and magnets, while also increasing tariffs on Chinese goods to a total of 55 percent. The agreement comes as U.S. and Chinese negotiators work to stabilize their economic relationship after recent tensions.

During a social media post, Trump said full supplies of magnets and necessary rare earth elements would come from China, adding that the U.S. would allow Chinese students to attend American colleges as part of the deal. This arrangement aims to address critical mineral supply needs while promoting educational exchange.

However, a report from the Netherlands-based Global Rights Compliance raised serious concerns about forced labor associated with mineral sourcing from China’s Xinjiang region. It identified several global brands, including Avon, Walmart, Nescafe, Coca-Cola, and Sherwin-Williams, as potentially linked to suppliers who engage in coercive labor practices targeting Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities.

The report noted that 77 suppliers in Xinjiang’s titanium, lithium, beryllium, and magnesium sectors could be involved in the Chinese government’s controversial labor transfer programs, which involve forced labor under the guise of employment opportunities.

In response to the allegations, the Chinese Foreign Ministry dismissed the report, asserting that “no one has ever been forcibly transferred in China’s Xinjiang under work programs,” and called the allegations a fabrication by anti-China forces.

Meanwhile, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the discussions in London over the past two days aimed to recalibrate trade relations and remove restrictions on rare earth minerals and other key products. The framework is seen as a critical step in reframing bilateral discussions and is expected to be presented to President Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, for final approval.

Despite the framework’s announcement, skepticism remains. The two larger economies have accused each other of not fully adhering to previous agreements. Concerns persist about Trump’s unpredictable tariff strategies, which can lead to increased costs for U.S. manufacturers and consumers, further complicating international trade.

As the U.S. and China approach the next phase of trade negotiations, the urgency for both parties to solidify a stable agreement remains clear, especially with deadlines approaching in August for any comprehensive agreements.