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

Economists say tariffs can increase prices for consumers, but Robert Lighthizer, President Trump's former trade chief, argues they're necessary.

By targeting allies and neighbours with tariffs, the US is playing into the hands of China. “Our strategy on tariffs will be to shoot first and ask questions later.” That was what one of Donald Trump’s key economic policymakers told me late last year.