Published: 12:00, September 12, 2024
China opposes Canada's plan to impose surtaxes on more products
By Xinhua
Vehicles await loading to be transported at a terminal of Yantai Port in Shandong province on June 24, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BEIJING - China on Wednesday expressed firm opposition after Canada launched a consultation process concerning potential surtaxes on more Chinese products, according to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

A spokesperson for the ministry said China has taken note of Canada's latest announcement to initiate a 30-day consultation for potential surtaxes on Chinese batteries and parts, semiconductors, solar products and critical minerals.

READ MORE: Tariff hikes: China lodges consultation request to Canada at WTO

Canada's move, which came only half a month after it imposed restrictions on Chinese electric vehicles and other products, is "dangerous and irresponsible", said the spokesperson.

The action will severely impact bilateral economic and trade relations, seriously undermine the global economic system and trade rules, and destabilize the global industrial and supply chains, said the spokesperson.

READ MORE: China to launch probe into Canada's tariff hike, certain products

China urges Canada to respect the facts, adhere to the World Trade Organization rules and refrain from going further down the wrong path, said the spokesperson, vowing that China will take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.

Canada announced in late August that it will implement a 100-percent surtax on all Chinese-made electric vehicles, effective Oct 1, 2024, and impose a 25-percent surtax on imports of steel and aluminum products from China starting Oct 15, 2024.