Canada’s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, announced in August, follows a similar move by the United States seeking to prevent a surge in sales of Chinese-subsidized cars in North America.<\/p>\n
Canada has accused China of unfair competition and announced Tuesday that it is considering imposing new tariffs on Chinese batteries, technology products and minerals.<\/p>\n
Canada has already imposed additional tariffs of 100% on electric vehicles manufactured by the Asian giant, which will take effect on October 1.<\/p>\n
“Today I am announcing a 30-day consultation period (to evaluate tariffs) on imports into Canada from China of batteries, battery parts, semiconductors, critical minerals and metals and solar products,” Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland announced during a press conference in Nanaimo, British Columbia, before members of the ruling Liberal Party.<\/p>\n
In a statement, her office accused China of unfair competition in these sectors, and said it “threatens Canadian workers and businesses.”<\/p>\n
The consultation on “potential surcharges in response to unfair trade practices” by China will seek the opinion of the industry on the application of tariffs and the timing of their eventual entry into force, she added.<\/p>\n
Canada’s decision to raise customs duties on Chinese electric vehicles, announced in August, replicates a similar measure by the United States that seeks to prevent a wave of sales of cars manufactured by Beijing subsidized in North America.<\/p>\n
Ottawa also announced tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum from China. In apparent retaliation, China announced last Tuesday the opening of an anti-dumping investigation into Canadian rapeseed, of which it is one of the main buyers.<\/p>\n