US President Donald Trump’s administration is considering raising the proposed tariff rate on $200bn in Chinese goods to 25% from 10%, US Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer said on Wednesday. SEE MORE Manufacturing activity across Asia slowed in July, deepening concerns about the region’s economic outlook as an intensifying trade conflict between the United States and China sent shudders through their trading partners. SEE MORE World stocks fell and the dollar strengthened on Wednesday on fears of an imminent escalation in the U.S.-China tariff war, although strong corporate earnings eased investor concerns about a recent sell-off in the tech sector. SEE MORE U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on another $200 billion of Chinese goods threaten a niche trade in minor metals and rare earths used in everything from stomach remedies and jet engines to consumer electronics. SEE MORE