China has announced that it will impose tariffs on Canadian products, including rapeseed oil, oil cakes, peas, pork, and aquatic products, in response to a probe into Canada’s levies on Chinese goods last year. The tariffs will take effect on March 20, with a 100% tariff on rapeseed oil, oil cakes, and peas, and a 25% levy on aquatic products and pork.
The move comes after Canada imposed 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports in August, matching U.S. actions to curb the influx of Chinese state-subsidized cars into North America. Canada also introduced a surtax on steel and aluminum imports from China. Beijing’s commerce ministry stated that a probe found Canada’s policies disrupted trade and harmed Chinese enterprises’ rights and interests.
China, a major importer of Canadian canola — used for cooking oil, animal feed, and biodiesel — has historically been one of Canada’s largest customers. However, bilateral relations have been strained since 2018, when Canada detained Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, leading China to arrest two Canadian nationals in retaliation.
The new tariffs further exacerbate tensions as both Canada and China navigate growing trade conflicts with the United States, especially under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has imposed aggressive tariffs.
