China has announced new retaliatory tariffs on Canadian farm and food imports, escalating tensions between the two nations. The move comes in response to Canadian duties imposed on Chinese-made electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products. The tariffs underscore the ongoing global trade disputes involving multiple countries, including the United States and the European Union.
The new tariffs from China will take effect on March 20. The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council stated that Canadian rapeseed oil, oil cakes, and peas will face an additional 100% tariff. Furthermore, pork and aquatic products from Canada will incur an extra 25% tariff. These measures are seen as a direct response to Canada's imposition of similar duties in October.
Canada had announced these tariffs in August, following similar actions by Western allies like the U.S. and the EU. Specifically, Canada imposed a 100% surtax on Chinese-made electric vehicles and a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports. Western governments argue that China's subsidies give its industries an unfair advantage, prompting these protective measures.
“Despite China’s repeated opposition and dissuasion, Canada has taken unilateral restrictive measures on electric vehicles, steel, aluminum and other products imported from China without investigation, undermining China-Canada economic and trade relations,”
Originates from: Customs authorities
In response, China claims that Canada's actions have disrupted normal trade order and harmed the legitimate rights of Chinese enterprises.
“Anti-discrimination probe, which found out that Canada’s restrictive measures against some Chinese products have disrupted normal trade order and harmed the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises,”
Originates from: Customs authorities
These developments are part of a broader series of trade disputes that have heightened global tensions. Recent rounds of tariffs have been announced by the United States, Canada, China, and Mexico, each seeking to protect their domestic industries and address what they perceive as unfair trade practices.
