US President Donald Trump signalled on Friday that he could lower tariffs on Chinese imports, as the two countries prepare for trade talks over the weekend.

"80% Tariff on China seems right!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, which would bring them down from 145 percent, with cumulative duties on some goods reaching a staggering 245 percent.

He added that it was "Up to Scott B.", referring to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who will confer with Vice Premier He Lifeng this weekend in Geneva to try to cool the conflict roiling international markets.

In his post Trump did not say if he thought 80 percent should be the final, definitive level for tariffs on Chinese goods if and when the trade war ends, or an interim status.

In retaliation China has slapped 125 percent levies on US goods.

In another post, this time all in capital letters, Trump said "China should open up its market to USA – would be so good for them!!! Closed markets don't work anymore!!!"

Chinese official data on Friday showed that the nation's global exports rose in April despite the trade war.

China has denounced tariffs announced by the Trump administration, calling them unilateral and protectionist. Beijing also said no one wins in a tariff or trade war. (AFP)