(Yicai Global) March 8 -- The US trade deficit with China rose 16.7% in January to USD36 billion with President Trump tweeting in response that China should work to cut the figure by USD1 billion in the future.

The deficit reached its highest level since September 2015, official data from the US Department of Commerce stated, indicating that Trump's America-First policies had no brought substantial benefits to the sector so far.

"Our relationship with China has been a very good one, and we look forward to seeing what ideas they come back with. We must act soon," Trump said.

US' foreign trade deficits increased five percent in January from the USD53.9 billion in December last year in January, hitting their highest levels since October 2008 when they were USD60.2 billion. The trade deficits have now been growing for five consecutive months, the Department of Commerce said.