BEIJING (AP) — China's Commerce Ministry says talks with the United States on ending their tariff war will take place in early October in Washington, later than previously planned.

Thursday's announcement followed new tariff hikes last weekend by both governments and a report that envoys were struggling to agree on a schedule for the talks, which were to have taken place this month.

The Commerce Ministry said the two sides will "conduct conscientious consultations" in mid-September to prepare for the talks.