China's tariffs - due to begin next Monday - would also apply to US oil and farm machinery, but more talks are due this week.

President Donald Trump has finally made good on a campaign promise to raise tariffs on Chinese imports – announcing on Saturday duties of 10% on all Chinese goods coming in the country as part of sweeping trade measures that also targeted Mexico and Canada.

China has reiterated its threat to take “necessary countermeasures to defend its legitimate rights and interests” following President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 10% tariffs.