Trump asks China to drop all agricultural tariffs as trade talks continue

US farmers have been heavily affected by president's trade war with Beijing

Donald Trump said that he asked China to immediately remove all tariffs on agricultural products from the US, as trade talks between the nations progress.

He also delayed plans to impose 25 per cent tariffs on $200b of Chinese goods, which were due to come into force on Friday.

"I have asked China to immediately remove all Tariffs on our agricultural products (including beef, pork, etc.) based on the fact that we are moving along nicely with Trade discussions," the US president claimed on Twitter.

"This is very important for our great farmers - and me!"

The politician's trade war with China has had a heavy and detrimental impact on US farmers.

Beijing imposed tariffs last year on imports of soybeans, grain sorghum, pork and other items, slashing shipments of their products to China.

US trade negotiators have asked China to reduce tariffs on ethanol but it is unclear if Beijing is willing to agree, according to Sonny Perdue, the US Agriculture Secretary.

Mr Trump's comments came several hours after the US government announced that the scheduled hike on tariffs imposed on Chinese goods would be postponed.

The tariff will remain at "10 per cent until further notice," a spokesperson for the Trade Representative's office said.

In a statement on Saturday, China said it welcomed the delay.

Research published this week by the Economist Intelligence Unit said the trade conflict between the US and China posed the biggest current threat to the world economy.

Additional reporting by agencies