Beijing: China announced the imposition of additional tariffs on certain Canadian products following the conclusion of an anti-discrimination investigation.
According to Kuwait News Agency, effective from March 20, China will enforce a 100-percent tariff on imported rapeseed oil, oil cakes, and peas originating from Canada. Additionally, aquatic products and pork imported from Canada will face a 25-percent tariff, as reported by Xinhua, citing the State Council’s tariff committee.
The tariffs are a result of China’s first anti-discrimination probe into foreign countries and regions. The investigation determined that Canada’s restrictive measures on specific Chinese products constituted discriminatory practices, disrupting normal trade and harming the rights and interests of Chinese businesses.
The background to this development involves Canada’s announcement last year of tariff increases on electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products imported from China. This led China to initiate the anti-discrimination probe in September.
China’s Ministry of Commerce conducted a thorough investigation, grounded in comprehensive materials, data, and feedback from stakeholders on both sides, contrasting with Canada’s decision to impose tariffs without an investigation, as noted by Zhou.