China has stopped almost all shipments of critical minerals that are needed for cars, robots, wind turbines, jet fighters and other technologies.

China has gradually begun easing restrictions on its rare earth exports over the past week, according to a U.S. business lobby group, following complaints from senior American officials that Beijing had not been fulfilling its pledge to lift trade barriers.

Following an export ban on rare earths, China is now approving deliveries only with export licenses. The first exports appear to be taking place. While a