The Tech Download: Trump's China visit left chip export issue unresolved, with rare earths deal still uncertain
Trump's China visit left the chip supply chain hanging. Rare earths deal still uncertain—and your AI infrastructure costs just got riskier.
Why it matters
Geopolitical trade uncertainty directly impacts AI compute availability and cost. Unresolved rare earths access and chip export restrictions create supply chain risk for US AI infrastructure buildout and model training capacity.
The key facts
10 to knowTrump-Xi talks on chip exports remain unresolved
Rare earths deal status uncertain post-visit
China signaled openness to 'deeper commercial engagement'
US access to critical materials for AI chip production at risk
Geopolitical trade policy affecting AI infrastructure supply chains
Trump-Xi bilateral talks failed to resolve chip export restrictions
Rare earths deal remains uncertain post-visit
US access to Chinese rare earths still unresolved
Geopolitical trade friction ongoing
Date: May 15, 2026
Go to the source
CNBC Technologycnbc.com
Publisher excerpt: China President Xi welcomed deeper commercial engagement from the U.S., but uncertainty still hangs over American access to rare earths and chip sales.