The American president Donald Trump and the Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi they signed framework agreement to ensure the supply of critical minerals and rare earths through mining and processing, the White House said in a statement.

OR agreement signed on during Trump’s visit to Japanas part of his Asia tour, as the two countries look to strengthen their supply chains of rare earths, which are used in everything from renewable energy to electronics and cars.

The US and Japan plan to cooperate via economic policy tools and coordinated investments to accelerate the development of diverse, highly liquid and fair markets for critical minerals and rare earths, according to the announcement.

This agreement comes shortly after the announcement by China of new controls in technology export related to rare earthsto the dismay of the US, Japan and Europe. China processes over 90% of the world’s rare earths.

The US, by contrast, has it up and running a rare earth mine and they try to secure minerals that are vital to them electric vehicle and defense systems sectors as well as for the advanced manufacturing industry. Trump is expected to meet the Chinese president Xi Jinping tomorrow, Thursday.

As part of their agreement, the US and Japan agreed to optimize and yes remove restrictions at schedules and them procedures licensing for critical minerals and rare earths, as well as to deal with non-market policies and unfair trade practices.

The two countries will consider a mutually complementary agreement for inventory creation and will work with other international partners to secure the supply chain, the White House added.