Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange closed higher on Friday, as investor turned to safe-haven buying amid escalating trade tensions between China and the United States.

The most active gold contract for June delivery added 7.6 U.S. dollars, or 0.57 percent, to settle at 1,336.1 dollars per ounce.

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday to slap tariffs on 100 billion U.S. dollars of imports from China, ratcheting up trade tensions and plunging economic growth into uncertainty.

China will fight "at any cost" and take "comprehensive countermeasures" if the United States continues its unilateral, protectionist practices, a spokesperson with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said Friday.

The moves came after both sides earlier this week unveiled a list of products worth 50 billion U.S. dollars imported from the other side that will be subject to higher tariffs.

Analysts note that the safe haven properties of the precious metal were appealing to investors, giving support to gold during the trading session.

The U.S. dollar index, which measures the buck against six rivals, went down 0.39 percent to 90.10 as of 1930 GMT.

Gold and the dollar typically move in opposite directions, which means if the dollar goes weak, gold futures will rise.

As for other precious metals, silver for May delivery rose 0.7 cent, or 0.04 percent, to settle at 16.362 dollars per ounce. Platinum for July went up 2.2 dollars, or 0.24 percent, to close at 917.5 dollars per ounce.