China Criticizes Canada's Restrictive Steel Import Measures

China's Ministry of Commerce strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes Canada's recent measures on steel imports, violating World Trade Organization rules and disrupting the international trade order. The measures, aimed at addressing the US's tariffs on steel, have been criticized by China for targeting Chinese steel imports unfairly. The Canadian government's actions have been seen as a shift in blame for the country's steel industry dilemma, with China's legitimate interests and rights being undermined.

Key Takeaways:

• China's Ministry of Commerce expressed strong dissatisfaction and opposition to Canada's recent restrictive measures on steel imports, citing a violation of World Trade Organization rules.
• The measures, implemented by Canada's Department of Finance, impose tariff rate quotas and surtaxes on steel imports, primarily targeting China.
• China views the actions as an example of unilateralism and protectionism, disrupting the international trade order and undermining China's interests.
• The Canadian government has been criticized for avoiding addressing the main issue of US tariffs on steel and instead shifting blame onto other trading partners, including China.
• China's Ministry of Commerce has urged Canada to rectify its wrong practices and lift the restrictions, in line with upholding the multilateral trading system and the overall economic and trade relationship between the two countries.
• China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.

Statistics:

• 25% surtax will be imposed on steel imports from China that contain steel melted and poured in China.
• Tariff rate quotas will be implemented on a larger scale of imports, starting from August 1.
• The quota limit for steel imports will be tightened, and surtaxes will be levied on imports beyond the quota limit.
• China's Ministry of Commerce has expressed strong dissatisfaction and opposition to Canada's recent measures, citing a serious undermining of normal economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

Sources:

• "China strongly dissatisfied with, opposes Canada's restrictive measures on steel imports", Xinhua News Agency, July 18, 2025.