In a new development in trade tensions between China and Canada, Beijing has announced retaliatory tariffs on a range of Canadian agricultural and food products. This move comes in response to Ottawa’s earlier tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum.

According to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, these tariffs will take effect on March 20, imposing a 100% tariff on imports of canola oil, oilseed cakes, and peas from Canada. Additionally, a 25% tariff will be imposed on Canadian pork products and certain seafood items.

China is one of the largest markets for Canadian agricultural products, having imported $3.5 billion worth of canola in 2023. This makes the newly imposed tariffs a major concern for Canadian farmers and food businesses.

This escalation comes at a time of increasing global trade tensions, adding further uncertainty to international markets.