China denies it will be first to impose tariffs on $34bn of US goods

Both sides made 6 July tariff threat but 12-hour time difference gives Chinese edge

China has denied it will fire the opening salvo in an escalating trade dispute with the US, insisting that it would not bring in 25% tariffs on $34bn (26bn) of American goods before a move from Washington.

Both sides have threatened to impose similarly sized tariffs on 6 July, but because of the 12-hour time difference, it was thought the Chinese tariffs on US imports ranging from soybean to stainless steel pipes could take effect earlier.