The tentative deal between the United States and China may represent a retreat from the worst-case scenario of a total collapse of trade between the world's two biggest economies, but it creates more problems than it solves.

China will only be renewing contracts for its rare earths six months at a time, making rolling trade negotiations more likely, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The deal removes Chinese export restrictions on rare earths minerals and allows Chinese students access to U.S. universities.