China on Tuesday imposed tariffs on some US imports in a swift response to new US duties on Chinese goods, raising the stakes in a showdown between the world's top two economies even as President Donald Trump offered reprieves to Mexico and Canada.

An additional 10% tariff across all Chinese imports into the US came into effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Tuesday (0501 GMT) after Trump repeatedly warned Beijing it was not doing enough to halt the flow of illicit drugs into the United States.

China's new tariffs on the targeted US exports will start on Feb. 10, giving Washington and Beijing some time to try and reach a deal that Chinese policymakers have indicated they hope to strike with Trump.

Trump plans to speak to Chinese President Xi Jinping later in the week, a White House spokesperson said.

Trump on Monday suspended his threat of 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada at the last minute, agreeing to a 30-day pause in return for concessions on border and crime enforcement with the two neighbouring countries.