7 March: China has announced new tariffs on Canadian agricultural and food products, escalating trade tensions after Ottawa imposed levies on Chinese-made electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum in October. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated that the tariffs, set to take effect on March 20, are a direct response to what it described as protectionist and discriminatory measures by Canada.
Under the new restrictions, China will impose a 100% tariff on Canadian rapeseed oil, oil cakes, and peas, while aquatic products and pork will be subject to a 25% duty. The ministry criticized Canada’s decision to levy a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles and a 25% duty on its steel and aluminum exports, calling it a violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations and an infringement on China’s economic rights.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had justified the Canadian tariffs as a countermeasure against China’s alleged state-driven industrial overproduction, aligning with similar actions taken by the United States and the European Union.
China remains Canada’s second-largest trading partner, though trade with the United States far exceeds its economic ties with Beijing. The latest move signals an intensification of global trade disputes, initially fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies on Canada, Mexico, and China.
