The Trump administration is slowing exports of key US-made aircraft parts to China to gain leverage in trade negotiations.

The Trump administration is slowing exports of key US-made aircraft parts to China to gain leverage in trade negotiations.

The Commerce Department has suspended export licenses, restricted shipments of parts to Chinese aircraft maker COMAC and considered easing restrictions on items such as landing gear and hydraulic fluid.

Washington sees China's dependence on US aviation suppliers as leverage as it pushes Beijing to loosen controls on rare earth minerals critical to US production.

China has also sought years' worth of spare parts for 200 Boeing jets, but the US has been reluctant to provide guarantees because the parts could be used in future negotiations.

Source: Reuters