China has taken retaliatory action against Canada’s recent tariffs on electric vehicles by launching an anti-dumping probe into Canadian canola imports. This move is seen as a direct response to Canada’s decision to impose tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced on Tuesday that it will be investigating whether Canadian canola is being sold in China at unfairly low prices, which could potentially harm Chinese producers. This probe is expected to last for up to a year and could result in China imposing tariffs on Canadian canola imports.
This latest development is just the latest in a series of trade tensions between Canada and China. In 2019, China suspended canola imports from two major Canadian companies, citing concerns over pests in the shipments. This move was seen by many as retaliation for Canada’s arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou at the request of the United States.
The Canadian government has expressed concern over China’s decision to launch this anti-dumping probe, stating that it is not based on any evidence and is a clear attempt to restrict Canadian canola exports. Canada is one of the world’s largest producers of canola, with China being its biggest export market.
The Canola Council of Canada, which represents canola producers, has also voiced its disappointment with China’s actions. They have stated that Canadian canola is not being sold at unfairly low prices and that the industry follows strict quality standards.
This latest trade dispute between Canada and China adds to the already strained relationship between the two countries. The ongoing detention of two Canadian citizens in China, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, has also been a major point of contention.
The Canadian government has stated that it will continue to work towards a resolution to this trade dispute and will defend the interests of Canadian canola producers. They have also called on China to release the detained Canadians and to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the issues between the two countries.
In the meantime, Canadian canola producers and exporters will have to wait for the results of China’s anti-dumping probe and the potential impact it may have on their industry. This latest development serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining strong and fair trade relationships between countries.
