China's factory activity grew at a slower pace in January, while staffing levels fell at the quickest pace in nearly five years as trade uncertainties increased, a private-sector business survey showed on Monday.

China’s manufacturing activity unexpectedly declined for a second straight month in January, underlining the need for Beijing to step up economic stimulus with Donald Trump slapping tariffs on the country’s exports.

China's finance ministry said it would impose levies of 15% for U.S. coal and 10% for crude oil, farm equipment and some cars.