China’s Ministry of Commerce has voiced strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the Canadian government’s recent decision to impose hefty tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). The ministry called on Ottawa to immediately correct its “erroneous practices,” emphasizing the potential negative impact on global trade and economic relations.
In a statement released on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the ministry described Canada’s move as a typical act of trade protectionism that could disrupt the stability of the global industrial and supply chains. “It will seriously undermine the global economic system and economic and trade rules,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson warned that the tariffs would affect China-Canada economic and trade relations, harm the interests of enterprises in both countries, and reduce the welfare of Canadian consumers. The measures could also hinder Canada’s green transformation efforts and global initiatives to address climate change.
On Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced at a federal cabinet retreat in Halifax that the country would raise import taxes on Chinese-made electric vehicles from 6.1 percent to a staggering 106.1 percent effective October 1. Additionally, tariffs on Chinese-made steel and aluminum products will increase to 25 percent starting October 15.
The Chinese ministry urged Canada to consider the broader implications of its actions. “We hope Canada will meet China halfway, take concrete actions to correct its wrong practices, and create favorable conditions for the healthy development of bilateral economic and trade relations,” the spokesperson added.
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China expresses strong dissatisfaction with Canada's EV tariffs
cgtn.com
