China announced on Saturday, March 8 that it would impose tariffs on Canadian imports, including rapeseed oil and pork, after a tax investigation into Ottawa’s levy on Chinese goods last year.
Beijing’s Commerce Ministry said imports of rapeseed oil, oil cakes and peas from Canada will face 100% tariffs, while aquatic products and pork will be subject to a 25% tax. The new measures will come into effect on March 20.
The decision comes after Canada’s 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicle imports in August 2024, in line with the U.S. measures aimed at curbing the state’s subsidy influx of Chinese cars into North America. Ottawa also launched Surtax for steel and aluminum products from China.
China’s Ministry of Commerce claims its investigation found that Canadian policies undermine normal trade and undermine the legitimate rights of Chinese companies.
“China urges Canada to correct its bad practices immediately, remove restrictive measures and eliminate their negative impacts,” a spokesperson said.
Canada is a leading producer of rapeseed, which can be used in edible oils, animal feed and biodiesel fuels. China was previously one of its biggest buyers, but trade relations have deteriorated in recent years.
Tensions between the two countries that deepened in 2018 led to Beijing’s retaliation against two Canadian nationals.
The latest tariffs are also as global trade tensions escalate, with Canada and China facing pressure from the United States, with President Donald Trump proposing new trade restrictions on multiple countries in multiple countries.
