The ongoing trade war between China and Canada has escalated further as Beijing announced significant tariffs on Canadian agricultural and food products. The move comes in direct retaliation to Ottawa’s decision to impose hefty duties on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), steel, and aluminum. The latest exchange of economic sanctions underscores the growing tension between China and Western nations over trade policies and market dominance.

On March 20, China’s Ministry of Commerce will implement steep tariffs on a range of Canadian exports. Canadian rapeseed oil, oil cakes, and peas will face a staggering 100% duty, while aquatic products and pork exports will be hit with a 25% tariff. These sanctions are expected to significantly impact Canadian farmers and exporters who rely on the Chinese market.

China’s Ministry of Commerce justified the decision by citing Canada’s own protectionist policies. In August 2024, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles along with a 25% duty on Chinese steel and aluminum, claiming Beijing’s state-backed manufacturing practices created an unfair market advantage. The measures, which took effect in October 2024, were in alignment with similar actions taken by the United States and the European Union, both of which imposed tariffs on Chinese-made EVs.

Beijing has strongly condemned Canada’s trade restrictions, accusing the Trudeau administration of violating World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a statement denouncing the tariffs as “protectionism that severely harms China’s legitimate rights and interests.” The Chinese government has argued........

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