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China’s Commerce Ministry warned Wednesday that Canada’s move to impose additional tariffs on its batteries, technology products and critical minerals is “dangerous,” state media reported.
On Tuesday, the US announced a 30-day consultation period on the measure, which would be added to the additional 100% tariffs on electric vehicles manufactured in China that will be applied starting October 1.
A Chinese ministry spokesman said the proposal was “dangerous and irresponsible,” according to state news agency Xinhua.
Such a move will seriously impact economic and trade relations and also undermine the global economic system and trade rules, the spokesman added.
The office of Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland justified these tariffs by saying that China’s unfair tax competition threatens workers and businesses in the American country.
When Canada announced its tariffs on electric vehicles in August, it signaled that it would also take similar measures on Chinese-made steel and aluminum products.
Last week, Beijing announced the opening of an investigation into unfair competition involving Canadian rapeseed and chemical products.
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