China has announced new tariffs on Canadian imports, including rapeseed oil, pork, and aquatic products, in response to trade restrictions imposed by Ottawa last year.
According to the AFP, Beijing’s Ministry of Commerce said the new tariffs would take effect on March 20, targeting imported rapeseed oil, oil cakes, and peas with a 100% levy, while pork and aquatic products will face a 25% tariff.
The move follows Canada’s decision in August 2024 to impose a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, aligning with similar measures by the United States to curb the influx of Chinese state-subsidized cars.
Ottawa also introduced additional levies on steel and aluminum imports from China.
China’s Ministry of Commerce accused Canada of disrupting trade and harming Chinese businesses.
“China urges Canada to immediately correct its bad practices, lift its restrictive measures, and eliminate its negative effects,” a ministry spokesperson said.
The latest trade dispute threatens to further strain economic relations between the two nations. Canada, one of the world’s top producers of canola, has long relied on China as a key buyer.
However, relations soured significantly in 2018 when Canada detained Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, prompting Beijing to arrest two Canadian nationals in retaliation.
The new tariffs come as tensions continue to mount between China, Canada, and the United States over trade policies.
