The headlines may say āUSāChina Trade Truceā... But what really happened under the surface tells a very different story.
Over the weekend, a surprise trade deal was struck in Geneva ā and while it may seem like both sides are easing up, the true strategic plays reveal something much deeper.
Hereās what you need to know:
š Tariffs Were Cut, But Not Gone
US tariffs will drop to 30%, Chinaās to 10%
But fentanyl-linked tariffs (20%), EV tariffs (100%), and solar tariffs (50%) remain untouched
According to Bloomberg, final tariff levels will likely range between 10ā34%
ā ļø The Real Battle: Rare Earth Minerals
While the media focused on tariff cuts, the U.S. was really negotiating for access to rare earths ā the metals that power EVs, robotics, semiconductors, and defense tech.
China controls:
š 61% of global production
š¬ 92% of global processing capacity
And while theyāve agreed to ease some restrictions for the U.S., this is not a full removal. China knows it holds the trump card.
𧨠Meanwhile⦠China Shuts Out U.S. Capital
In an ironic twist, Chinaās largest battery maker CATL just filed a $4B IPO in Hong Kong, while blocking U.S. funds from participating.
This is more than legal caution ā itās a strategic move to drain U.S. liquidity and reclaim capital flows.
If more companies follow suit ā and the U.S. pushes for delistings ā guess who wins?
šØš³ Hong Kong and China.
š§ Bottom Line
This wasnāt a China cave-in. This was a U.S. back-down, repackaged as a win.
China is playing the long game ā and smart investors should pay attention to where the capital, minerals, and manufacturing are shifting next.
Play smart. Think big. Ride the trend. See you around
ā Pete
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