US, China conclude trade talks in London

The US and China concluded trade talks in London as both countries seek a breakthrough on export controls that have threatened a fresh rapture between the superpowers.

June 10 talks continued to focus on easing tensions over rare earths and tech, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

After day one, US officials were upbeat but vague on progress. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said it was a "good meeting," while Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick called the negotiations "fruitful." President Trump said he received "good reports" but added that "China's not easy." Vice Premier He Lifeng, who led China's delegation, did not comment on the meeting.

The negotiations follow Trump's call with Xi Jinping last week, which both leaders framed as positive. US-China tensions have risen in the aftermath of the countries' trade truce reached in mid-May in Geneva, with both countries accusing the other of breaching that truce while ratcheting up pressure on other issues.

The US and China are also now using their control over certain key materials to gain control in the trade war. According to media reports, the US dominates in ethane, a gas used to make plastics, and China buys nearly all of it. Washington is now tightening control by requiring export licenses. China's curbs on exports of rare earth minerals, crucial for autos and more, have drawn Washington's ire.

The US-China talks come as Trump pushes countries to speed up negotiations. The US sent a letter to partners as a "friendly reminder" that Trump's self-imposed 90-day pause on sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs is set to expire in early July.

White House advisers have for weeks promised trade deals in the "not-too-distant future," with the only announced agreement so far coming with the United Kingdom. US and Indian officials held trade talks this week and agreed to extend those discussions on June 9-10 ahead of the July 9 deadline.

Meanwhile, Trump's most sweeping tariffs face legal uncertainty after a federal appeals court allowed the tariffs to temporarily stay in effect, a day after the US Court of International Trade blocked their implementation, deeming the method used to enact them "unlawful."

By Vafa Guliyeva