The United States and Japan signed a framework agreement on Tuesday aimed at strengthening cooperation and ensuring stable supplies of rare earth minerals, the White House said during President Donald Trump’s visit to Tokyo.

The deal, signed by President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, seeks to mobilize public and private investment in both countries to support the mining and processing of critical minerals essential to modern technologies.

The agreement comes amid growing concerns over China’s tightening restrictions on rare earth exports, which play a key role in sectors such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and defense manufacturing.