The US Trade Representative on Friday announced the start of an investigation into China’s implementation of a trade deal signed during President Donald Trump’s first term.

“The initiation of this investigation underscores the Trump administration’s resolve to hold China to its phase one agreement commitments, protect American farmers, ranchers, workers and innovators, and establish a more reciprocal trade relationship with China for the benefit of the American people,” USTR Jamieson Greer said in a statement.

Trade tensions between the US and China, the world’s two biggest economies, flared in recent weeks after months of relative calm.

Trump imposed additional duties of 100 per cent on China that are due to take effect on November 1, after China announced export controls on nearly all rare earths.

More to follow …