China criticizes Canada’s new steel tariffs, alleges WTO violations

Published 18/07/2025, 18:36
China criticizes Canada’s new steel tariffs, alleges WTO violations

Investing.com -- China’s embassy in Ottawa has criticized Canada’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on steel imports containing Chinese-made steel, calling the move a violation of World Trade Organization rules.

The embassy stated Friday that Canada’s tariffs "violate WTO rules, disrupt the international trade order, and damage China’s interests," responding to questions about the new duties.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday that Canada would implement the 25% tariffs on steel imports from all countries containing steel melted and poured in China before the end of July.

The Chinese embassy further claimed that "Canada’s approach lacks justification in principle, has no legal basis, and will prove ineffective. It will severely undermine normal economic and trade cooperation between China and Canada."

The tariffs come despite an agreement between Canada and China in June to improve bilateral relations and take initial steps to rebuild their troubled trade relationship.

Carney’s administration is attempting to protect the Canadian steel industry, which had complained that other countries were dumping cheap steel in Canada as a result of the 50% U.S. tariffs on imported steel imposed by President Donald Trump.

Canada already maintains 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum directly imported from China. The new measures target Chinese steel that has been further manufactured in other countries.

China was Canada’s second largest trading partner last year with C$120 billion ($87.48 billion) in bilateral trade.

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