US President Donald Trump is urging his administration to move ahead with slapping tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods, according to an official.

However, the timing of an announcement remains unclear, CNN quoted spokeswoman Lindsay Walters as saying on Friday. Trump met top aides earlier this week on the tariff issue and directed aides to proceed with plan. "The President has been clear that he and his administration will continue to take action to address China's unfair trade practices," said Walters. "We encourage China to address the long standing concerns raised by the US." The President took to Twitter on Thursday saying he had the upper hand in the trade war with China.