Trump Pledge of Quick China Magnet Flows Has Yet to Materialize

Almost 10 days since President Donald Trump declared a “done” trade deal with Beijing, US companies remain largely in the dark on when they’ll receive crucial magnets from China — and whether Washington, in turn, will allow a host of other exports to resume.

While there has been a trickle of required permits, many American firms that need Chinese minerals are still waiting on Beijing’s approval for shipments, according to people familiar with the process. China’s system is improving but remains cumbersome, they said, contrary to Trump’s assurances rare earths would flow “up front” after a June 11 accord struck in London.