China has announced new tariffs on Canadian agricultural and food products, escalating trade tensions between the two nations. The decision, revealed by China's Ministry of Commerce, comes in response to Canada's tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products, which were introduced in October.

The new tariffs, set to take effect on March 20, include a 100% duty on Canadian rapeseed oil, oil cakes, and pea imports, as well as a 25% tariff on Canadian aquatic products and pork. China has condemned Canada's measures, calling them a violation of World Trade Organization rules and a form of protectionism that harms China's economic interests.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended the tariffs imposed by Ottawa, stating that they were necessary to counter China’s state-directed industrial policies, which he claimed contribute to global market distortions. The move aligns with similar actions taken by the United States and the European Union against Chinese electric vehicles.

China remains Canada’s second-largest trading partner, though its trade volume is significantly lower than that of the United States. The latest trade measures add to ongoing tensions between the two nations, further complicating their economic relations.