China Imposes Tariffs on Canadian Products

China on Saturday announced counter-tariffs on more than $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products, in retaliation for tariffs imposed by Ottawa in October, opening a new front in a trade war driven largely by threats from US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs.

The tariffs, announced by the Commerce Department, are set to take effect on March 20 and are in line with 100% and 25% tariffs Canada imposed on Chinese-made electric vehicles and steel and aluminum products more than four months ago.

“Canada’s actions seriously violate World Trade Organization rules, constitute a typical act of protectionism, and are discriminatory measures that seriously harm China’s legitimate rights and interests,” the Commerce Department said in a statement.

Tensions between the US and China have escalated in recent days, with Trump earlier this week imposing additional 10% tariffs on Chinese goods. Beijing has responded by imposing tariffs on Chinese agricultural products and restrictions on several US companies.