Canada hints at additional tariffs on Chinese tech and mineral imports

Canada signaled Tuesday that it is likely to impose further tariffs soon on Chinese batteries, tech products, and critical minerals.

The announcement of a 30-day public consultation on the proposed measures comes on the heels of 100 percent tariffs levied on imports of Chinese electric vehicles, due to take effect on October 1.

"Today, I'm announcing a 30-day consultation on imports to Canada from China of batteries and battery parts, semiconductors, critical minerals and metals, and solar products," Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland told a news conference in Nanaimo, British Columbia where members of the ruling Liberals are meeting.

In a statement, her office accused China of unfair competition in these areas that "threatens Canadian workers and businesses."

The consultation on "potential surtaxes in response to unfair Chinese trade practices" will seek industry input on the application of a surtax and the timing of its coming into force, it said.

The Canadian tariffs on Chinese EVs announced in late August matched US measures seeking to fend off a flood of Chinese state-subsidized cars into North America.

Ottawa at the time also announced a surtax on imports of steel and aluminum products from China.

China said it would launch an anti-dumping probe into Canadian canola and chemical products, in apparent retaliation.

Canada is among the world's top producers of canola -- an oilseed crop that is used to make cooking oil, animal feed and biodiesel fuel -- and China has historically been one of its largest customers.

Beijing has also referred Canada to the World Trade Organization over the EV tariffs, calling it "a classic unilateral and trade protectionist act."