China retaliates with tariffs on Canadian food imports after trade disputes

On March 20, 2025, China implemented retaliatory tariffs on various Canadian agricultural and food imports in response to trade tensions with Canada. This decision followed Canada’s imposition of tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum in October 2023. The new tariffs included a staggering 100 percent duty on Canadian rapeseed oil, oil cakes, and peas, alongside an additional 25 percent tariff on pork and aquatic products. These tariffs emerged amid soaring global trade tensions inflamed by ongoing tariff disputes among the United States, China, Canada, and Mexico. The escalated economic measures were outlined by the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council, which emphasized that Canada’s unilateral actions disrupted normal trade relations between the two nations. The Chinese customs authorities expressed discontent over Canada’s lack of investigation into their restrictive measures, suggesting such steps undermined the economic relationship and harmed the interests of Chinese enterprises. These developments came after a thorough probe into Canada's anti-discrimination measures, which concluded that the tariffs on specific Chinese goods were unjustified and negatively impacted trade dynamics. The ongoing trade spat has drawn parallels to similar actions from the U.S. and the European Union against Chinese products, highlighting the strained geopolitical and economic relationships in the face of perceived unfair competitive advantages linked to Chinese subsidies. The tariffs imposed by China are a direct response to increasing protective measures taken by Canada and other Western governments. This retaliatory step by China is likely to intensify existing tensions in international trade and prompt calls for further negotiations to address underlying issues surrounding tariffs and trade practices. Experts recommend that both nations seek dialogue to avoid further escalations that could adversely affect their respective economies and global trade relations at large.