On Saturday, March 8, China announced that it would impose tariffs on a range of Canadian imports, including rapeseed oil and pork, following an investigation into tariffs that Canada levied on Chinese goods last year.
The Chinese commerce ministry stated that imported rapeseed oil, oil cakes, and peas from Canada will incur a 100 percent tariff, while aquatic products and pork will be subject to a 25 percent levy. These new measures are scheduled to take effect on March 20.
This decision follows Canada’s imposition of 100 percent tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports in August 2024, in line with similar measures from the United States aimed at limiting the influx of state-subsidized Chinese vehicles into North America. Additionally, Canada has introduced surtaxes on steel and aluminum products from China.
According to China’s commerce ministry, the investigation concluded that Canada’s trade policies have disrupted normal commerce and infringed on the legitimate rights of Chinese businesses.
“China urges Canada to immediately rectify its unfavorable practices, lift its restrictive measures, and mitigate their adverse effects,” said a spokesperson for the ministry.
Canada is a major producer of canola, which is used for cooking oil, animal feed, and biodiesel production. Previously, China was one of its largest buyers, but trade relations have soured in recent years.
Tensions between the two countries escalated in 2018 when Canada detained Meng Wanzhou, a senior Huawei executive, prompting Beijing to arrest two Canadian nationals in retaliation.
These new tariffs come amid rising global trade tensions, with both Canada and China facing increased pressure from the United States, where former President Donald Trump has enacted new trade restrictions affecting multiple countries.
