Trump’s China tariffs could be imposed in June

The US has said it plans to impose 25% tariffs on $50bn worth of Chinese imports “shortly” after mid-June.

Critics had accused the administration of going soft on China after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said tariffs were on hold while the two sides continue trade talks.

But the White House said on Tuesday that a final list of imports slated for tariffs will be published by 15 June.

China said it was both “surprised and unsurprised” by the move.

In a statement, China’s Commerce Ministry called on the US to act in the spirit of earlier joint comments.