Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada will impose higher tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) and Chinese steel, according to Canada-based Global News.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada will impose higher tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) and Chinese steel, according to Canada-based Global News.

He made the announcement while speaking to reporters in Halifax on Monday. At the Liberal cabinet meeting, Trudeau said: “Soon we will be introducing a 100 percent tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles and a 25 percent tariff on Chinese steel and aluminum.” »

Trudeau explained that this decision was made to boost electric vehicle manufacturing in Canada. The move brings Canada in line with recent changes in U.S. trade policy, the Global News report said.

In early May, US President Joe Biden announced an increase in tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles from 25% to 100% this year. However, there is currently only one Chinese electric vehicle in the United States.

In June, Canada’s Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland expressed concern about China’s “unfair” trade practices in electric vehicle manufacturing. According to Global News, it announced the start of a consultation process to examine possible countermeasures.

Freeland had indicated that the government was considering possible restrictions. According to the report, the only Chinese electric vehicles currently imported into Canada are Teslas manufactured in Shanghai.

Freeland said: “Possible policy measures we are advising on include an additional tax on Chinese electric imports under Section 53 of the Customs Act, changes to cars eligible for existing federal Zero Emission Vehicle Program incentives, and potentially broader investment restrictions in Canada. “ »

According to CNN, Biden announced increased tariffs on Chinese imports in several strategic sectors in early May.

The tariff increase affects imported steel and aluminum, old semiconductors, electric vehicles, battery components, critical minerals, solar cells, cranes and medical products. The new tariff rates – 100% for electric vehicles, 50% for solar components and 25% for other sectors – will be introduced over the next two years.

Lael Brainard, director of the White House National Economic Council, commented: “China is using the same playbook as before to promote its own growth at the expense of others.” » She added: “China is simply too big to look after its own rules to play. »

When announcing the new tariffs in the Rose Garden, Biden said he was seeking “fair competition with China and no conflict,” according to CNN.

He emphasized, “The reality is that American workers can work harder and outperform everyone else as long as the competition is fair,” noting, “For too long it hasn’t been fair.” »

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NewsX staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)