US-China tariff risk has shifted from a threatened 100% levy to mixed de-escalation signals after Beijing clarified its rare-earth "export controls" were not an export ban.
Despite this clarification, $2.5 trillion in S&P 500 market cap evaporated during Friday's selloff.
Beijing stated the controls are "not a ban," and that export applications meeting regulations will be approved, with licensing exemptions possibly offered.
These measures are described as a "legitimate practice" to safeguard national security amid military applications of rare earths.
Author's summary: Trump comments on US-China trade situation.