China announced new steep tariffs on Canadian food products on Saturday, the latest blow to the country as it simultaneously grapples with fierce trade negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The tariffs, announced by China’s State Council Tariff Commission, include a 100% tax on canola oil, canola meal, and peas, along with a 25% tax on pork and seafood. The Chinese tariff commission said these are in response to Canada’s 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and 25% tariff on Chinese steel and aluminum that went into effect last fall.
In a separate statement commenting on the tariffs, China’s Ministry of Commerce urged Canada “to immediately correct its wrong practices, lift restrictive measures and eliminate adverse effects.”
The retaliatory tariffs from China are slated to take effect on March 20.
Analysts told Reuters that the decision from China could be a warning to Canada of cooperating too much with Trump’s trade demands that have included enhanced measures to crack down on illegal immigration and fentanyl at the U.S.’s northern border.
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“The timing may serve as a warning shot. By striking now, China reminds Canada of the cost of aligning too closely with American trade policy,” said Dan Wang, China director at Eurasia Group in Singapore.
Trump has taken some action against China, slapping 10% tariffs on Chinese imports in February, which doubled to 20% earlier this week. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also suggested Canada match U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods after Mexico offered to do so to avoid 25% tariffs from the U.S. Those tariffs on Mexico and Canada have taken effect, but some goods are exempt for one month.
