Canada slaps tariffs on Chinese steel, aluminum, EVs

She noted this was why the government was moving forward to “level the playing field, protect Canadian workers, and match measures taken by key trading partners.”

As previously reported, Canada’s steel and aluminum industries had called for tariff alignment  with the US.

Steel, aluminum tariffs

Canada’s federal government intends to apply 25% tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum products from China, effective Oct, 15, 2024, according to the statement.

An initial list of goods was released Monday for public comment, and can be found here. The final list of goods subject to the surtaxes will be announced by Oct. 1.

EV tariff

The 100% tariff on all Chinese-made EVs will be effective Oct. 1. This includes electric and certain hybrid passenger automobiles, trucks, buses, and delivery vans.

CSPA lauds move

The Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA) cheered the move by the government.

“Our industries strongly support and welcome today’s announcement by the Government of Canada that recognizes the strategic importance of steel and aluminum to Canada’s economic security interests,” Catherine Cobden, president and CEO of the CSPA, said on Monday.

She made the remarks in a joint statement with Jean Simard, president and CEO of the Aluminum Association of Canada.

“Moving towards the implementation of these measures, our sectors will continue to work closely with the government and all political parties to ensure the details of these measures protect Canada’s trade and economic interests,” the statement continued.

Editor’s note: This is an update of a previous article.