Some of the purported concessions that led to a 30-day pause on the tariffs were things Canada and Mexico had already done before Trump’s threat, but it’s complicated.

Last-minute phone calls pull the North American neighbours back from the brink of a trade war, but the US is still targeting Chinese imports.

Beijing hit back with its own tariffs and export restrictions after being subjected to levies by President Trump. Trade experts said China appeared to aim for minimal short-term harm while showing the range of its possible responses.