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Malaysia Clarifies U.S. Trade Pact on Rare Earth Access

2/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Arthur Joseph Kurup, Malaysia's Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, said the United States trade agreement does not grant exclusive access to rare earth elements.
He added there are no binding obligations or market preferences.
The clarification followed the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, where a critical minerals agreement and the trade pact were signed, with U.S. President Donald Trump in attendance.

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Story summary

Arthur Joseph Kurup, Malaysia's Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, said the United States trade agreement does not grant exclusive access to rare earth elements.
He added there are no binding obligations or market preferences.
The clarification followed the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, where a critical minerals agreement and the trade pact were signed, with U.S. President Donald Trump in attendance.