China formally notifies the WTO of retaliatory tariffs against U.S

Imports from the U.S. are seen at a supermarket in Shanghai, China April 3, 2018. REUTERS/Aly Song

GENEVA (Reuters) - China has notified the World Trade Organization it is imposing $611.5 million worth of retaliatory tariffs on $2.75 billion worth of U.S. imports including pork, nuts and ethanol in response to U.S. duties on aluminium and steel, a WTO document showed.

The document, dated last Thursday but posted only after the Easter public holidays, came after China said late on Sunday it has increased tariffs by up to 25 percent on 128 U.S. products, escalating a dispute between the world's biggest economies.

China has fulfilled its legal duty to notify the WTO and other member states of its retaliatory measures.

Imports are seen at a supermarket in Shanghai, China April 3, 2018. REUTERS/Aly Song

Imports from the U.S. are seen at a supermarket in Shanghai, China April 3, 2018. REUTERS/Aly Song

(Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Adrian Croft)