The United States may jack up the tariff rate on $200 billion in Chinese imports as it attempts to pressure Beijing to reform its trade practices, US officials said Wednesday.

President Donald Trump asked the US Trade Representative consider increasing the proposed tariffs to 25 percent from the announced 10 percent, senior administration officials said, confirming earlier media reports.

The officials blamed China's “obstreperous refusal to work with us and cooperate” to resolve US concerns, but downplayed suggestions the move was designed to compensate for the weak Chinese currency.

(APP)

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