Donald Trump has reignited the US trade war with China, announcing an additional 10% tariff on $300 billion worth of Chinese products.
Since last year, the two countries have been engaged in an escalating trade war in the wake of the Trump administration announcing an initial round of tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Chinese goods.
Both sides have subsequently retaliated to each others' tit-for-tat actions with a series of fresh tariffs on the other country's products.
However, a "truce" was declared in June following a meeting between Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Japan.
The US president at the time suggested efforts to reach a deal were "right back on track", while China suggested "cooperation is the best choice for both sides".
In an apparent end to the temporary ceasefire, Mr Trump today announced plans for a fresh 10% tariff on $300 billion worth of goods - not including $250 billion worth of goods already hit with a 25% tariff.
In a series of tweets, he wrote: "We thought we had a deal with China three months ago, but sadly, China decided to re-negotiate the deal prior to signing.
"More recently, China agreed to buy agricultural product from the US in large quantities, but did not do so. Additionally, my friend President Xi said that he would stop the sale of Fentanyl to the United States – this never happened, and many Americans continue to die!"
He added that talks are continuing, but said the new tariffs will come into effect from September 1st.
It comes as Chinese media reported trade consultations between the two sides would "intensify" this month.
Xinhua news agency quotes a Minister of Commerce spokesperson as saying the efforts are being made ahead of a meeting of chief trade negotiators next month.
Yesterday, concerns over the international trade tensions were cited as a factor in the US Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates for the first time in a decade.
