How did we get here?

The move is part of Mr Trump's protectionist agenda, which has undermined the free trade policies that have shaped the global exchange of goods in recent decades.

He has said the tariffs are aimed at stopping the "unfair transfers of American technology and intellectual property to China" and protecting jobs.

The White House said it would consult on tariffs on the other $16bn of products, and would apply these later.

Mr Trump has already imposed tariffs on imported washing machines and solar panels, and started charging levies on the imports of steel and aluminium from the European Union, Mexico and Canada.

China has vowed to fight back to protect its economy.

What else might the US do?

In addition to the $16bn under consultation, Mr Trump has flagged there could be more tariffs in store.

He threatened a 10% levy on an additional $200bn of Chinese goods if Beijng "refuses to change its practices".

China said it would respond with measures of a "corresponding number and quality" if the US produced a list of products that could be hit.