New Delhi, Oct. 30 -- Growing fears over the global supply of rare-earth elements emerged as a key factor behind the trade deal between the US and China, which was confirmed by President Donald Trump on Thursday, according to an analysis by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).

The report highlights that the agreement reflects Washington's mounting concern over vulnerabilities in semiconductor and electronics production.

Rare-earth minerals are essential to chipmaking and clean-energy technologies, areas where Chinese dominance leaves the US exposed.

Beijing, however, understands that America's dependence extends far beyond rare-earths--to green-energy inputs, pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and mass-market consumer goods--gi...