The White House announced Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump is likely to hold a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week, as part of renewed efforts to ease ongoing trade tensions between the two global powers.

While no specific details were provided regarding the timing or agenda of the call, senior U.S. officials indicated that the discussion is expected to focus on unresolved trade disputes, particularly the export of rare earth elements critical to the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries.

Despite a preliminary agreement in mid-May to ease certain tariffs, tensions have resurfaced in recent weeks over what Washington describes as “unjustified Chinese trade barriers.”

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bissant stated that the call could help clarify whether recent export restrictions are the result of systemic issues within China or deliberate actions. “We hope this dialogue will bring greater transparency and help determine the future trajectory of U.S.-China economic relations,” Bissant added.

The call is seen as a potentially pivotal step in defusing economic friction between the world’s two largest economies.