BEIJING (Reuters) – China has announced tariffs on Canadian agricultural and food items in response to levies imposed by Ottawa in October on Chinese-made electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products. These new tariffs, declared by the commerce ministry and set to take effect on March 20, mark a new development in the ongoing trade tensions primarily triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies towards Canada, Mexico, and China, as well as threats of protectionist actions against other countries.
According to a statement by the ministry, the tariffs will include a 100% duty on Canadian rapeseed oil, oil cakes, and pea imports, along with a 25% tariff on Canadian aquatic products and pork. The Chinese government views Canada’s 100% tariff on Chinese EVs and 25% levy on its aluminum and steel products as violations of World Trade Organization regulations, labeling them as protectionist measures that unjustly impede China’s rights and interests.
In August, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau justified the levies by citing China’s government-driven over-capacity policies, following the footsteps of the U.S. and the European Union, both of which have also imposed import tariffs on Chinese EVs. China stands as Canada’s second-largest trade partner, trailing the United States by a considerable margin. (Reporting by Joe Cash and Yukun Zhang; Editing by William Mallard)
