China Launches Investigation Against Canada

BEIJING (Reuters) – China has launched an anti-discriminatory investigation against restrictive measures taken by Canada, including additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products, as stated by its commerce ministry on Thursday.

This type of investigation typically takes three months to complete but could be extended under special circumstances, according to the ministry.

Beijing also announced plans this month to investigate Canadian canola imports after Ottawa implemented tariffs of 100% on Chinese EVs and 25% on Chinese aluminum and steel, alongside the U.S. and the European Union.

More than half of the canola exported by Canada goes to China, the world’s largest oilseed importer.

China expressed strong disapproval and firm opposition to Canada’s “discriminatory unilateral restrictive measures” and has requested discussions with Canada at the World Trade Organization regarding the tariffs.

Trade tensions between the countries escalated this week after Canada mentioned that it was “absolutely” considering banning Chinese-made software in EVs as part of efforts to address perceived overcapacity and security threats.