Chinese officials vowed to provide more support for exporters affected by Donald Trump’s tariffs, showing greater urgency to shore up the crucial sector as signs of distress emerge.

Economic risks are growing as the two sides appear to disagree about whether they are even engaged in tariff negotiations.

When the leaders of some of the world's largest companies flocked to Beijing for a business forum last month, their main purpose was a coveted meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.