China launches anti-discrimination probe against Canada

China initiated an anti-discriminatory investigation against Canada in response to its restrictive measures, including additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), steel, and aluminium products.

The Chinese commerce ministry announced on Thursday that the investigation would typically take three months to complete but could be extended under specific circumstances.

This move comes in conjunction with China’s plans to investigate Canadian canola imports, following the imposition of 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese EVs and 25 per cent tariffs on Chinese aluminium and steel by Canada, the US, and the EU.

China is the world’s largest importer of oilseed, and over half of Canada’s canola exports are destined for the Chinese market.

Beijing has strongly condemned Canada’s “discriminatory unilateral restrictive measures” and has requested talks with Canada at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to address the tariff issue.

Trade tensions between the two countries have escalated further this week as Canada indicated it might ban Chinese software in electric vehicles due to overcapacity and security concerns.

Attribution: Reuters

Subediting: Y.Yasser