The US is trying to arrange talks with China in an attempt to defuse the escalating trade war before President Donald Trump follows through on a threat to impose tariffs on another $200bn of the country’s imports.

Steven Mnuchin, US Treasury secretary, is pushing to meet Liu He, the top Chinese economic official, according to one person familiar with the discussions between Beijing and Washington.

The move comes after months of stalemate during which both sides have remained steadfast in their positions. Mr Trump has already imposed tariffs on $50bn worth of Chinese imports, prompting Beijing to retaliate. The US president has warned China that he has approved tariffs on another $200bn and said he could increase the amount of products affected by levies by a further $267bn.