Despite the tough rhetoric flying between Washington and Beijing, the impact of such elevated tariffs on some industries is prompting both governments to consider concessions to protect their own economies.

China will let scientists from six countries, including the US, examine the rocks it collected from the moon - a scientific collaboration that comes as the two countries remain locked in a bitter trade war.

BEIJING (Reuters) - China called for all "unilateral" U.S. tariffs to be cancelled on Thursday, as signs emerged that the Trump administration may de-escalate its trade war with Beijing. China also clarified it has not held trade talks with Washington despite repeated comments from the U.S. government suggesting there had been engagement.