Trump said China had been in touch since the imposition of tariffs and expressed optimism that they could reach a deal.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced late Friday that some smartphones, computers, chips and other electronics would be exempted from tariffs, but Trump's top economic advisers hit the Sunday talk shows to explain the policy, saying that tariffs against electronics would be coming in the next month or two.

President Trump has said China has reached out to negotiate a deal. Another official said the administration has already been working on supply chain issues for some time in anticipation of the imposition of the tariffs.