China has imposed tariffs on $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural products in response to Canada’s previous import duties. The new tariffs, effective March 20, target key exports like rapeseed oil, pork, and aquatic products.
The tariffs, which will take effect on March 20, mirror Canada's own 100% and 25% import duties imposed on Chinese-made electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum in late 2023. While China has excluded canola (rapeseed), one of Canada’s top agricultural exports, it is seen as a gesture that could leave the door open for potential trade talks. However, the new tariffs also serve as a stark warning, particularly in light of the Trump administration's potential softening of trade restrictions on Canada and Mexico, contingent on their alignment with U.S. policy.
China's Ministry of Commerce condemned Canada's measures, calling them “a typical act of protectionism” that violates World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and harms China’s legitimate interests. The newly imposed tariffs include a 100% levy on Canadian rapeseed oil, oil cakes, and pea imports, totaling over $1 billion, as well as a 25% tariff on aquatic products and pork worth $1.6 billion.
Dan Wang, Director of China at Eurasia Group, noted that the timing of the tariffs may signal China’s intention to remind Canada of the consequences of aligning too closely with U.S. trade policy. Wang suggested that China’s delayed response was a result of both its internal capacity constraints and strategic considerations in managing disputes with the U.S. and the European Union.
Despite the punitive nature of the tariffs, analysts believe the omission of Canadian canola from the list of affected products could indicate a willingness by China to leave space for diplomatic negotiations. The ongoing anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola, launched by China in September 2023, may also play a role in China’s decision to avoid further escalation at this time.
China remains Canada’s second-largest trading partner, trailing the United States. In 2024, Canada exported $47 billion worth of goods to China, according to Chinese customs data. However, sectors like pork and canola face specific challenges due to the lack of alternative markets for certain products. Canada’s pork industry, for example, heavily relies on China for certain cuts, including heads, which do not have easy access to other markets.
With Canada’s national elections slated for October 2024, some analysts speculate that China may hope for a shift in political leadership that could lead to a more amenable stance on trade. This mirrors China’s approach toward Australia, where a change in government in 2021 led to a reset in bilateral relations following a series of retaliatory tariffs and bans imposed by China in response to Australia’s call for a COVID-19 origins investigation.
While China’s tariffs on Canadian goods are likely to have significant economic repercussions, both countries are expected to continue navigating these complex trade dynamics, with potential for future negotiations to de-escalate tensions.
As trade tensions with the United States reach new heights, China has issued a firm rebuke to the Trump administration’s proposed tariffs of up to 245% on Chinese imports, dismissing the measures as a “tariff numbers game” and vowing not to yield to external pressure.
China is set to embed artificial intelligence (AI) into its entire education system from primary to higher education as part of a national effort to modernize learning, boost innovation, and build a skilled, future-ready workforce.
As the US-China trade war escalates under President Donald Trump’s administration, viral TikTok videos are encouraging Americans to bypass tariffs by buying directly from Chinese factories, sparking fresh concerns over counterfeit goods and luxury brand credibility.
Nvidia will take a $5.5 billion charge after the U.S. restricted exports of its H20 AI chip to China, citing security concerns. The move targets China's access to advanced tech, impacting Nvidia's key market amid growing global AI competition.
China and Malaysia pledged to uphold peace in the South China Sea, resolve disputes peacefully, and deepen global cooperation, following Xi Jinping’s state visit. Both nations also reaffirmed support for multilateralism and international law.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, stating on Thursday that Powell's termination "cannot come fast enough."
Moldova's parliament voted on Thursday to set the date for parliamentary elections, which will take place on September 28.
Qatar’s Emir assured President Putin that Syria’s new leadership is committed to strengthening ties with Moscow, as the two leaders met in the Kremlin to discuss regional conflicts and diplomatic efforts in Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine.
Russia warned that German-supplied Taurus missiles targeting its infrastructure would amount to direct German involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
The IFRC has received only 10% of its $122 million emergency appeal for Myanmar’s earthquake recovery, raising alarm as thousands remain homeless and vulnerable ahead of monsoon season.
A small plane crashed near Kopake, New York, on April 13, killing at 6 people. The Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, carrying six people, went down under unclear circumstances. This marks the second aviation accident in New York in a week, raising safety concerns.
The Russian ruble has emerged as the top-performing currency globally in 2025, registering an impressive 38% appreciation against the US dollar since the beginning of the year, according to a report by Bloomberg.
A quiet Thursday afternoon at St. Peter’s Basilica turned into something extraordinary, as visitors caught a rare glimpse of Pope Francis — not in his familiar white papal robes, but dressed in black trousers and a striped blanket.
Several regions in Ukraine faced heightened alert on Palm Sunday, as reports of explosions and missile threats drew public attention and official responses.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 16th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The number of Americans filing first-time unemployment claims decreased by 9,000 last week, falling to 215,000, according to data from the US Labor Department released on Thursday.
U.S. President Donald Trump's desire to influence the yen's exchange rate in the ongoing trade negotiations with Japan is likely to create challenges for both nations, analysts warned.
Puerto Rico experienced its second full power outage in just four months on Wednesday, following a system failure that left most of the island without electricity.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, stating on Thursday that Powell's termination "cannot come fast enough."
Moldova's parliament voted on Thursday to set the date for parliamentary elections, which will take place on September 28.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, stating on Thursday that Powell's termination "cannot come fast enough."
Moldova's parliament voted on Thursday to set the date for parliamentary elections, which will take place on September 28.
Qatar’s Emir assured President Putin that Syria’s new leadership is committed to strengthening ties with Moscow, as the two leaders met in the Kremlin to discuss regional conflicts and diplomatic efforts in Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine.
Russia warned that German-supplied Taurus missiles targeting its infrastructure would amount to direct German involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
The IFRC has received only 10% of its $122 million emergency appeal for Myanmar’s earthquake recovery, raising alarm as thousands remain homeless and vulnerable ahead of monsoon season.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment