The top US trade body said the 25% import taxes would apply to about $16bn (£12b.3bn) of annual imports.

The duties are part of a broader round of US tariffs on $50bn worth of goods announced in March.

The US says the tariffs are to penalise China for "unfair" trade practices.

Such practices include rules compelling companies in certain sectors to take on local partners if they want to do business in China.

Read MORE here.

BBC NEWS