China's critical-mineral export controls have become a focus on Trump's criticism of Beijing, which he says has violated the truce reached last month to roll back tariffs and trade restrictions.

Global automakers and governments are raising concerns as China's restrictions on rare earth magnet exports disrupt supply chains. These restrictions, citing national security, impact critical industries like electric vehicles and defense.

Beijing has infuriated Trump officials by failing to loosen its crackdown on exports of seven “heavy” rare earth metals which are essential for gadgets like smartphones and electric cars as well

Germany's auto lobby warned China's export restrictions on rare earths, used in everything from windshield-wiper motors to anti-lock braking sensors, could soon cause production outages, the latest industry group to sound the alarm over delays to supply.