25% taxes on $34bn of Chinese imports. China retaliated in kind.

Tariffs on another $16bn of products are pending, the second part of tariffs on $50bn worth of imports that the US announced in March.

US threats have escalated since, with the President saying he is ready to impose tariffs on all $500bn of Chinese imports.

In July, the US published a list of $200bn worth of additional products to be hit with tariffs of 10% - a figure the US is now considering raising to 25%.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said: "The increase in the possible rate of the additional duty is intended to provide the administration with additional options to encourage China to change its harmful policies and behaviour and adopt policies that will lead to fairer markets and prosperity for all of our citizens."

The list named more than 6,000 items worth $200bn in annual trade, including chemicals, textiles, minerals and consumer goods ranging from baseball gloves to frozen fish fillets.

Before the tariffs go into effect, they are subject to a public comment period. The duties could take effect as soon as September.