WASHINGTON: Trump administration said it is all set to impose fresh tariffs on a range of Chinese goods, in a sharp escalation of a bruising trade war.

On Sunday, the US is expected to hit billions of dollars worth of Chinese products with 15% duties, in the first of two rounds of new tariffs.

Beijing said it has “ample” means to retaliate, while also calling for both sides to continue trade negotiations.

The move comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing.

By the end of the year, Washington aims to impose tariffs on almost all Chinese imports into the US.

What was initially a dispute over China’s allegedly unfair trade practices is increasingly seen as a geopolitical power struggle between the world’s two largest economies.

(Agencies)