U.S. Treasury forecasts China to delay rare-earth export rules and boost U.S. soy purchases

Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary, indicated that after recent talks the U.S. expects China to delay its expanded rare-earth licensing regime by about a year and to make significant purchases of U.S. soybeans. The comments followed trade discussions held in Kuala Lumpur aimed at thawing tensions. Markets interpreted the signals as a step toward easing export-control risk and reinforcing agricultural ties. The dual announcements may reduce global supply-chain stress for tech industries and lift U.S. farm-exports under a new bilateral dynamic.