China on Saturday said it had granted approval to some applications for the export of rare earths, in a move that comes just ahead of fresh trade talks between Chinese and U.S. officials on Monday. China's strict export controls over rare earths has been a flashpoint in trade relations with the U.

China's critical-mineral export controls have become a focus on Trump's criticism of Beijing, which he says has violated the truce reached last month to roll back tariffs and trade restrictions.

China has approved limited export licenses for rare earth metals amid surging global demand from industries like robotics and electric vehicles

China’s new restrictions on rare earth exports have caused significant supply chain disruptions and price instability in global markets, impacting industries like automotive, renewable energy, and defense.

Major manufacturers, fearful they will have to shut down assembly lines, are considering moving some production of parts to China.

The rare-earth miner MP Materials will enjoy growing strategic value to the U.S., as geopolitical tensions with China make the supply of critical minerals more uncertain, according to Morgan Stanley.

Ford CFO Sherry House also discussed what the Dearborn-based automaker is telling Wall Street about upcoming headwinds.